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.
Adams, Reyna, Turner, Ream are US concerns ahead of Copa America
PGA Championship is delayed by fog at Valhalla
Gaza: US, international volunteer doctors trapped in hospital by Israeli assault
Kenya, Uganda sign agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation
California congressman urges closer consultation with tribes on offshore wind
Verstappen matches Senna's record of 8 straight pole positions
Georgia's president vetoes media legislation that has provoked weeks of protests
Chinese ambassador warns UK not to further jeopardize ties
Saudi Arabia is going to sponsor the WTA women's tennis rankings under a new partnership
Gaza: US, international volunteer doctors trapped in hospital by Israeli assault
Minnesota Uber and Lyft driver pay package beats deadline to win approval in Legislature
Israeli airstrikes kill 40 in central Gaza refugee camp