The Minnesota Timberwolves lost a pivotal Game 5 in their Western Conference semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets without veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr. in the lineup. His presence was missed, as the team missed his leadership.
He was back in the lineup for a must-win Game 6 and he made an immediate impact. In the opinion of star Anthony Edwards, the return of Mike Conley Jr. is what made all the difference in the outcome.
“We got Mike Conley back,” Edwards said. “That was it.”
The Timberwolves destroyed the Nuggets on Thursday night, winning 115-70. They set the tone early in the game, going on a huge 20-0 run midway through the first quarter and never looking back.
With Mike Conley Jr. back in the lineup, the Nuggets defensive game plan had to change. In Game 5, they were able to blitz Edwards with double teams knowing he didn’t have his normal outlet to get the ball to.
In Game 6, that wasn’t a strategy that would work. Not only is Conley an adept 3-point shooter, but he knows how to get his teammates involved. Essentially playing 4-on-3 with two players occupied by Edwards, the Timberwolves cut the Nuggets up.
“Obviously I wanted to play last game,” Conley said. “Just couldn’t move at all. Tonight it was a no-brainer. I was going to try to find a way. We’re just better when we’re a complete team.”
Minnesota is certainly happy he was able to play after missing Game 5 with Achilles soreness. He finished the game with 13 points, five assists and four rebounds without a single turnover. His being on the court made life easier for everyone, especially Edwards, who was more efficient on Thursday than on Tuesday.
The Timberwolves and Nuggets will now play a winner-takes-all Game 7 on Sunday. The start time has not yet been announced, as it will be determined by whether the New York Knicks close out the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
If that happens, Game 7 will be an afternoon affair at 3:30 p.m. ET. If the Knicks and Pacers have Game 7, they will play in the afternoon slot and the Timberwolves/Nuggets game will be in the evening.
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