DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets couldn’t quiet an epic second-half comeback by Minnesota or the noise emanating from a boisterous Timberwolves locker room.
It was a thunderous and stinging reminder of the obvious — their reign as champions was over, and much sooner than expected.
The young and confident Timberwolves came into Denver’s house and spoiled the party by eliminating the Nuggets with a 98-90 win Sunday night in Game 7 of their second-round series. Minnesota overcame a 20-point deficit to make the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2004.
“No one ever said this was going to be easy trying to repeat,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.
The Nuggets became the fifth straight reigning champion to fail to reach the conference finals in their quest to repeat. As Malone answered questions following the game, the vibrations from the Timberwolves’ rowdy locker room celebration echoed from down the hall.
F1 'ten years' away from more Chinese drivers, Zhou
Hush money trial: Trump faces prospect of additional sanctions for violating gag order
Heat on the Hurricanes after hooker injuries in Super Rugby Pacific
With Djokovic awaiting the winner, Murray trails Hanfmann at rain
Arizona will repeal its 1864 abortion ban. Democrats are still planning to use it against Trump
Arsenal, Man City both win to keep it tight at the top
Stock market today: Asian markets wobble after Fed sticks with current interest rates
College baseball notebook: Conference tournaments to decide NCAA automatic bids and many at
Ezekiel Elliott believes he can still carry the load at running back in return to Cowboys
Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. to lead Indianapolis 500 field in Corvette pace car
More money is going to African climate startups, but a huge funding gap remains