Timberwolves and Pacers Clinch Spots in Conference Finals After Thrilling Game 7s
The Minnesota Timberwolves came back from a 20-point deficit to surprise Denver with a 98-90 victory, eliminating the reigning NBA champions from the playoffs on Sunday while Indiana defeated the New York Knicks.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Jaden McDaniels from the Timberwolves each scored 23 points and collected 12 rebounds, while Anthony Edwards found his groove in the second half as the Timberwolves made history by being the first team to win a game seven after trailing by more than 11 points at halftime.
Les MVP de la Night : KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS & JADEN MCDANIELS 🔥🔥🔥 (vs. Nuggets)
KAT :
🏀 23 POINTS
👐🏼 12 REBONDS
🔒 2 STEALS
🎯 8/14 AUX TIRS (57%)McDaniels:
🏀 23 POINTS
🔒 2 STEALS
🚫 1 CONTRE
🎯 7/10 AUX TIRS (70%)
3️⃣ 3/4 À 3 POINTS (75%)— Catch N’ Shoot (@CatchNShootFr) May 20, 2024
The Pacers set a new NBA playoff record by hitting 67.1 percent of their shots, going 53 for 79 from the field, in a 130-109 victory over the Knicks in game seven at Madison Square Garden.
The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 130-109 in Game 7 of their NBA playoff series, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2014. The Pacers set an NBA playoff record by shooting 67.1% from the field. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 26…
— Ashokkumar Setty (@kohinoor789) May 20, 2024
Edwards, who became a standout player for the Timberwolves at the age of 22, stated that composure was crucial in Timberwolves’ recent surprising win against three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. Down by 15 points at the end of the first half, the Timberwolves found themselves behind by 20 points early in the third quarter. However, Denver’s shooting cooled off while Edwards started making shots, leading the Timberwolves to reduce the margin to just one point before the fourth quarter.
Edwards, who contributed 12 points out of his total of 16 in the second half, mentioned that coach Chris Finch advised him to “increase his pace” during halftime. Edwards said that if the opponents continue to trap you, it is important to make the correct decision and have faith in your team. We remained composed during the whole game. We recently had a conflict, and we clashed. Edwards stated that Towns played superbly tonight. “He bore us this evening.”
Timberwolves closed the gap to just one point before the fourth quarter and secured the lead when Rudy Gobert made a driving layup at the beginning of the final period. Timberwolves’ Jokic netted 14 points out of his total of 34 in the final quarter. He contributed 19 rebounds and seven assists while Jamal Murray tallied 35 points, but they both acknowledged that the Nuggets missed too many shots.
Jamal Murray 4th Quarter:
5 points
2 assist
1 rebound
5 fouls
11 turnovers pic.twitter.com/sr3E3ArA8Y— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) May 20, 2024
Murray expressed that he felt we were able to take the shots we desired and the chances were available.
The Timberwolves had initially surprised the Nuggets by winning two games in Denver at the start of the series. However, after losing three consecutive games, they sealed their comeback with a convincing victory in game six. Finch described it as a unique moment. This team is amazing with the greatest player on Earth. The series was crazy, and this game exemplified the series.
Timberwolves are set to face off against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference finals, while the Pacers have secured a spot in the Eastern Conference finals against the top-seeded Boston Celtics.
Six Pacers players scored in double figures with Tyrese Haliburton contributing 26 points, while Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard each chipped in with 20 points.
Donte DiVincenzo scored 39 points for the Knicks by making nine three-pointers. Jalen Brunson scored 17 points and dished out nine assists before leaving the game with a broken left hand at the beginning of the fourth quarter, adding to the Knicks’ already extensive list of injuries.
The Pacers secured their first victory away from home in the series by showcasing an impressive offensive performance in the first half, converting 76.3% of their shots by making 29 out of 38 attempts.
The Knicks reduced a 15-point halftime disadvantage to six at the start of the third quarter, but the Pacers were able to respond effectively.
Haliburton stated that it was a fantastic game for them from start to finish. “We didn’t manage to win any games away from home throughout the entire series, but somehow we pulled through in the end.
The Knicks, aiming for their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000, damaged their chances by committing two critical turnovers on inbounds plays, allowing the Pacers to extend their lead to 19 points promptly.
On this day in 2000, hack-a-Shaq was in full effect as the Pacers sent Shaq to the line 39 times, setting a new NBA playoffs record!#BovadaSportsHistory #NBA
— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) June 10, 2021
The Knicks were anticipating an uplift from forward OG Anunoby, who rejoined the starting lineup after being sidelined for four games with a hamstring injury. However, Anunoby was noticeably restricted and left the game in the first quarter, while teammate Josh Hart continued playing despite suffering from an abdominal strain.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau expressed that the players gave their all, despite missing Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and Bojan Bogdanovic for the playoffs. Throughout the year, they fought relentlessly and had nothing remaining by the end.