Jayden McDaniels scored 21 points while the Nuggets’ defense faced challenges.

Initial reactions to the Nuggets’ disappointing Game 6 loss to the Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals:

Struggles for Murray: Jamal Murray, once a focal point of opposition for opposing fans, found himself in need of the energy from their jeers. 

The Nuggets’ offense faltered, missing numerous open shots, with Murray exemplifying their difficulties. He endured a challenging start, scoring only two points in the first half on a dismal 1-of-10 shooting. It wasn’t until midway through the third quarter that he made his first 3-pointer, finishing the game with 10 points before being sidelined with an elbow injury. 

The Nuggets struggled from beyond the arc, clanking 17 of their first 21 attempts, setting the stage for a decisive Game 7. The crowd, once ignoring Murray, began chanting “Wolves in 7!” with over eight minutes remaining. Despite their recent success in Game 7s, including victories in the bubble against the Jazz and Clippers, the Nuggets faced an uphill battle, compounded by their lackluster performance at Ball Arena.

McDaniels’ Impact: In the postseason, unexpected contributors often emerge, and Thursday’s game saw Jaden McDaniels assume that role. After a scoreless performance in Game 5, McDaniels embraced the Nuggets’ challenge to shoot, displaying remarkable athleticism reminiscent of Heisman quarterback Jayden Daniels. 

He quickly found his rhythm, tallying 13 points in the first half alone, a stark contrast to his previous outings. McDaniels ultimately delivered 21 points, falling just short of his career playoff high of 25, established against the Suns in the first round. While Anthony Edwards showcased his scoring prowess, battling through injury to contribute, it was McDaniels who provided the surprising offensive spark.

Identity Crisis: The Nuggets’ struggles were evident from the outset, as they committed turnovers and missed easy shots in the first quarter. Nikola Jokic, who had been flawless in Game 5 with zero turnovers on 129 touches, faltered early on. As panic set in, the crowd at Target Center came alive, witnessing a momentum shift in favor of the Timberwolves. 

Minnesota capitalized on the Nuggets’ shortcomings, mounting a decisive 20-0 run in response to Denver’s 9-0 surge, establishing a lead they would maintain throughout the game. Despite diminishing faith among Minnesota fans, reflected in decreasing ticket prices, the Timberwolves rewarded their supporters with a commanding victory.