The Minnesota Timberwolves knocked defending NBA champions the Denver Nuggets out of the play-offs by beating them 98-90 within the deciding recreation of their Western Convention semi-final collection.
The Timberwolves had been trailing by 20 factors at one stage within the third quarter however staged a comeback to win recreation seven and take the collection 4-3.
Karl-Anthony Cities and Jaden McDaniels every scored 23 factors for Minnesota, who will play the Dallas Mavericks within the Western Convention Finals.
The Indiana Pacers additionally progressed as they earned a 130-109 victory towards the New York Knicks to win their Jap Convention semi-final collection 4-3.
Tyrese Haliburton scored 26 factors for the visiting Pacers, who set an NBA play-off document by taking pictures 67.1% from the sector.
They’ll now tackle the Boston Celtics.
Minnesota received for a 3rd time at Denver of their collection and victory meant they reached the Western Convention remaining for the primary time in 20 years.
Within the course of, they grew to become the primary crew to come back again from a half-time deficit of greater than 11 factors to win a recreation seven.
“It confirmed us who we’re,” mentioned Anthony Edwards, who scored 16 factors for Minnesota.
“The coaches believed in us, even within the third once we had been down 20. As soon as we actually lock in on the defensive finish, we’re a hell of a crew to beat.”
Jamal Murray scored 35 factors for the Nuggets and team-mate Nikola Jokic added 34 factors as their defence of the title got here to an finish.
“The groups are extra hungry, higher, [more] proficient than final yr,” mentioned this season’s Most Worthwhile Participant Jokic.
“Everyone will get higher. Everyone needs to beat us, most likely.”