The Minnesota Timberwolves staged a dramatic comeback, overcoming a 19-point early deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets in Game 2, evening their best-of-seven playoff series.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, reminiscent of their historic Game 7 comeback two years prior, rallied from a 19-point deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets in Game 2. The Nuggets, who had won 13 consecutive games, surged to a 44-25 lead in the second quarter. However, Minnesota, led by an aggressive Anthony Edwards who improved significantly from Game 1, outscored Denver 39-25 in the second period, tying the game at 64 by halftime, despite Jamal Murray's 51-foot buzzer-beater. Nikola Jokic (24 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists) and Murray (30 points) were key for Denver, but struggled in the fourth quarter, combining for just 2-for-12 shooting. Christian Braun missed a critical free throw late in the game, allowing the Wolves to secure the win. Jaden McDaniels, who added 14 points for Minnesota, openly criticized the Nuggets' defense. The series is now tied 1-1 and heads to Minneapolis for Game 3, with the Timberwolves overcoming significant odds and preventing the Nuggets from taking a commanding 2-0 lead, a scenario in which Denver has an 8-0 historical playoff record.
