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.
OpenAI pauses ChatGPT voice after Scarlett Johansson comparisons
WNBA moving date of its preseason game in Canada to avoid potential conflict with NHL playoffs
Debate over tight end value hovers over Brock Bowers' draft prospects
The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
Probe underway into highway school bus fire that sent 10 students fleeing in New Jersey
Kings hoping goaltender Cam Talbot can return to early form as Stanley Cup playoffs begin
Rahul and De Kock pace Lucknow chase in IPL win over Chennai
Dodgers acquire pitcher Yohan Ramírez from Mets for cash
'The Full English will never die out!' Greasy spoon fans speak up for the Great British Fry
Company wins court ruling to continue development of Michigan factory serving EV industry
South Africa man convicted in deaths of 2 Alaska Native women faces revocation of U.S. citizenship