The Minnesota Timberwolves emerged from Ball Arena again with a statement win over the Denver Nuggets Tuesday night in a double-overtime thriller.
Minnesota won its sixth straight game against Denver, dating back to last year’s second-round playoff series. They edged out the Nuggets 140 – 139 in a game that featured 21 lead changes and 13 ties.
It was a massive win for the Timberwolves, who are trying to claw their way out of the play-in and secure a playoff spot.
Despite the chaotic finish, Nickeil Alexander-Walker canned two of his three free throws after Russell Westbrook tackled him as the clock struck zero to give the Wolves a one-point lead. Minnesota’s performance fully encapsulated the themes of its 2024-25 season.
The Wolves go as Edwards goes
Anthony Edwards carried the Timberwolves down the stretch. He finished with 24 points in the fourth quarter, plus the two overtime periods. He dominated on the ball with pull-up three-point makes, dazzling assists off the dribble, and tough makes at the rim.
It didn’t click until late, though.
“I don’t like to toot my own horn, but I had 10 points going into the fourth quarter,” Edwards said postgame. “My teammates trusted me to take every shot down the stretch, and I was able to come alive for them.”
It’s difficult to show up and dominate for all 82 games. However, Minnesota’s ability to be at its best in Denver starts with Edwards’s maturity and leadership. When Edwards doesn’t lock into the game, the Wolves lose focus.
Edwards’ slow start and inability to find any shots outside three-point jumpers hindered Minnesota’s offensive flow. He started 2 of 9 from the field and 1 of 7 from three in the first half. When Edwards makes shots, the defense will adjust. Still, there will be nights when his shot is not falling. Therefore, he must find consistency to limit the volatility and other ways to play as a team rather than shot-hunt out of the cold streak.
When Edwards flipped the switch, his shot-creation heroics brought the Timberwolves back into the game after an early fourth-quarter 10-0 Denver run. He accounted for 20 of their 28 fourth-quarter points.
Edwards capped off the game by scoring 11 points on 5 of 8 shooting in the two overtime periods.
About that final possession
Minnesota ran into a familiar situation at the end of the fourth quarter and the first overtime period.
They couldn’t find or make a late clutch shot.
The Timberwolves have struggled in clutch time and end-of-game offense all season. They are tied for the NBA lead in clutch games (44) and losses (25).
Minnesota’s late-game possessions against Denver started and ended with nearly identical outcomes. Edwards waited for the double-team to come, found Julius Randle as his outlet, and then the possession stalled out.
In the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves chose to inbound from their own baseline rather than advance the ball, giving them upcourt momentum. However, it would end with a Randle side-step difficult three-point attempt.
The first overtime period finished with indecision from Randle, passing a grenade to McDaniels, who missed a mid-range pull-up.
Minnesota must find a way
Despite Minnesota showing its consistent inability to close games out in the final possession, their will to “find a way” prevailed.
In an unorthodox season, all it has taken is for the Wolves to coalesce in whatever way possible. It might be leaning on Edwards, working off role-player heroics from players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, or both. The Wolves have found their way to success on any given night, a theme of Minnesota’s inconsistent season.
However, it’s become prominent in Minnesota’s last two games. They beat Denver, a division rival, for a season sweep and sixth straight win after overcoming a short-handed, scrappy Detroit Pistons team. The Wolves also played against Denver without core players Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo due to their mid-game skirmish, which led to multiple suspensions.
The Wolves earned their statement win
With only six games remaining in the regular season and four against actively tanking teams, the Timberwolves had a statement win in Denver. Minnesota has been successful against good opponents this season, holding a 13-14 record and a fourth-ranked NET rating against top NET rating opponents per cleaning the glass.
Minnesota has had recent success against the Nuggets. However, their goal should be to capitalize on the momentum to finish the season strong.