DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets couldn’t quiet an epic second-half comeback by Minnesota or the noise emanating from a boisterous Timberwolves locker room.
It was a thunderous and stinging reminder of the obvious — their reign as champions was over, and much sooner than expected.
The young and confident Timberwolves came into Denver’s house and spoiled the party by eliminating the Nuggets with a 98-90 win Sunday night in Game 7 of their second-round series. Minnesota overcame a 20-point deficit to make the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2004.
“No one ever said this was going to be easy trying to repeat,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.
The Nuggets became the fifth straight reigning champion to fail to reach the conference finals in their quest to repeat. As Malone answered questions following the game, the vibrations from the Timberwolves’ rowdy locker room celebration echoed from down the hall.
Mohammad Mokhber: Who is Iran’s acting president?
Golden Week stress test for popular destinations
Family of heiress who drowned are to sue her husband who was accused of killing her
Royal Marines preparing to lead 'Dunkirk
Lynn Williams breaks NWSL goal
Thingyan water festival kicks off in Myanmar
Chinese books on display at Paris Book Festival 2024
CIIE: a vivid reality of the world sharing Chinese opportunities
Ricky Stenhouse punching Kyle Busch could lead to suspension
One dead and two critical after a wannabe trucker who failed his test deliberately plowed his 18
Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
President's trip paves way for more outcomes