The Denver Nuggets, led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, were eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games. Jokić, who had 28 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds in the 110-98 loss, acknowledged the team's struggles: 'We just lost in the first round, so I think we are far away.'
Jokić's Struggles and Support for Coach
Four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert effectively neutralized Jokić throughout the series, though Jokić found some rhythm in the final two games. His teammate Jamal Murray had a rough series, shooting just 4-for-17 in Game 6 and posting a game-worst minus-18 rating. Despite the early exit, Jokić expressed his desire to remain with the Nuggets: 'I still want to be Nuggets forever.' He also defended coach David Adelman, saying, 'It’s not his fault we couldn’t rebound. It’s not his fault we couldn’t catch the ball very well. There is nothing to blame David Adelman. It was all us.'
Timberwolves Advance Despite Injuries
The Timberwolves, missing their top three guards due to injuries, relied on Jaden McDaniels (32 points, 10 rebounds) and Terrence Shannon Jr. (24 points). Minnesota dominated the paint with a 64-40 advantage in points in the paint and a 50-33 edge in rebounding, fueled by Gobert, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid. The No. 6 seed Timberwolves will face the San Antonio Spurs in the second round starting Monday.
Knicks Crush Hawks in Record-Breaking Victory
The New York Knicks eliminated the Atlanta Hawks with a historic 140-89 win in Game 6. OG Anunoby scored 29 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his second triple-double of the series. The Knicks set multiple NBA records, including the largest first-quarter lead in the shot clock era (40-15) and the largest halftime lead in playoff history (47 points). The 51-point victory tied for the sixth-largest margin in postseason history. Towns said, 'It speaks volumes on our team that we were able to bounce back from two disappointing losses.' The Knicks will face the winner of the Celtics-76ers series in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
76ers Force Game 7 Against Celtics
Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points, and Paul George added 23 as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 106-93 to force a Game 7. Joel Embiid contributed 19 points in his early return from an appendectomy. The Sixers never trailed in Game 6, closing the third quarter with an 82-63 lead after holding the Celtics scoreless for over four minutes. The decisive game will be played Saturday in Boston. Jaylen Brown had 18 points, and Jayson Tatum added 17 for the Celtics, who missed most of the season due to injury.
