NBA Playoffs: Timberwolves defeat Nuggets, Knicks overpower Hawks

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The Minnesota Timberwolves have advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after defeating the Denver Nuggets 110-98 in Game 5, completing a 4-2 series upset victory. The win marked a significant turning point for the Timberwolves, who were playing without star player Anthony Edwards due to injury.

Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 28 points, but it was not enough to overcome the determined Timberwolves. The game remained close throughout, with neither team gaining a double-digit lead until the final minutes. In the third quarter, Jokic scored 14 points in a span of just three minutes, helping to narrow the deficit.

The Timberwolves took control with a late surge, and Jaden McDaniels sealed the win with two free throws, finishing with a career-high 32 points. “It’s a great night,” said Minnesota coach Chris Finch. “We came into these playoffs not trying to beat Denver, but trying to win a championship.”

In other news, the New York Knicks have advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals after routing the Atlanta Hawks 140-89 in Game 5. The win marked the largest margin of victory in NBA playoff history for the Knicks, who led by as many as 61 points at halftime.

The Knicks’ dominant performance was led by OG Anunoby, who scored 29 points, including 26 in the first half. Karl-Anthony Towns also recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. “We can’t just meet the moment, we’ve got to exceed it,” said Towns.

The Celtics-76ers playoff series is now headed for a decisive Game 7 in Massachusetts after Philadelphia beat Boston 106-93. The 76ers have forced a deciding game, tying the series at 3-3.

Source: Al Jazeera