Minnesota Timberwolves tie the series against a very concerning Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets once again realized that freeing themselves from the fangs of the Minnesota Timberwolves is no easy task. No matter how hard they try, the Denver team keeps encountering obstacles against a rival that has become their recent nightmare.

The first-round series now moves to Minneapolis tied at 1-1 after the Nuggets squandered a 19-point lead and fell in the second game 119-114 at the Ball Arena. A conclusion marked by their own mistakes and Minnesota's ability to react in crucial moments.

The final stretch was a series of missed opportunities for Denver. With the game on the line, Nikola Jokic missed a forced layup against Rudy Gobert, an uncommon action for the Serbian. The play led to a fast break that gave momentum to the Wolves, just before a wide-open three-pointer from Jamal Murray also missed the hoop after a timeout.

Minnesota closed out better. Gobert imposed his physical presence with a dunk after an offensive rebound, while Donte DiVincenzo responded to Aaron Gordon's three to maintain the visiting team's lead. Denver was still in the game but with no margin for error.

The play that could define the series came shortly after. Instead of attempting a floater to tie the game, Jokic passed the ball to Christian Braun who was fouled. Braun missed one of the free throws with 19 seconds left, letting go of a key opportunity to force overtime. In the next possession, Murray opted for a hurried mid-range shot, and the Timberwolves sealed the game.

The game also ended Denver's streak of 13 consecutive wins, adding to their concerning 1-5 record in their last six second games of series.

Individually, Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 30 points and 10 rebounds, despite playing through a knee injury. Murray matched in scoring, while Jokic posted 24 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, although his 8-for-20 shooting reflected a lack of aggressiveness in key moments.

The first half was a showcase of instant classics between the two teams. Denver even had a run of three four-point plays in just four possessions, amidst an electric atmosphere. Minnesota seemed overwhelmed, with Edwards limping and being less involved.

However, the Wolves reacted with a devastating run. From trailing 44-35, they shifted the momentum of the game, capitalizing on foul troubles in the paint and adjusting with smaller lineups. In just ten minutes, they orchestrated a surge that resulted in a 27-point turnaround in the score.

Final Madness in the Game

Just when it seemed like the blow was decisive, Denver responded with an 8-0 run to close the first half. The climax came with a shot from beyond half-court by Murray at the buzzer, his fourth such make of the season, tying the game before halftime.

But this time, the story didn't end the same. While in previous instances that kind of momentum had been enough to tip the scales, in this second game, it was the Timberwolves who were able to resist and execute better in the decisive moment.

The series now moves to Minneapolis with everything up for grabs, but with the feeling that Minnesota has once again hit Denver where it hurts the most.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Minnesota Timberwolves iguala la serie ante unos Denver Nuggets con muy mala pinta