Denver Nuggets vs Timberwolves Match Player Stats – Timberwolves Stun Defending Champs 98-90 in Historic Game 7 Comeback
The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off the largest comeback in NBA Game 7 history, erasing a 20-point second‑half deficit to stun the defending champion Denver Nuggets 98‑90 on May 19, 2024. Box scores began circulating within minutes of the final buzzer, revealing the raw numbers behind one of the most stunning playoff upsets in recent memory.
The final score — Timberwolves 98, Nuggets 90 — marked the first time in NBA history that a team trailed by 20 or more points in the second half of a Game 7 and still advanced. Here is the complete denver nuggets vs timberwolves match player stats breakdown from that unforgettable Western Conference semifinal.
Pre‑match expectations were sky‑high for Denver, who entered as the defending champions and had won three straight to force a decisive Game 7 at Ball Arena. Nikola Jokić, the freshly minted three‑time MVP, looked poised to lead another deep playoff run alongside Jamal Murray. The Timberwolves, conversely, were the young upstarts — built on defense, anchored by Anthony Edwards and Karl‑Anthony Towns. The result shocked the basketball world not only because of the 20‑point swing, but because it ended Denver’s championship reign on its own home floor.
Disclaimer: *This is a highlight/statistics recap of Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets — 2024 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals Game 7. All content is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Stats and footage belong to their respective owners.*
Teams, Lineup & Game Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | 2024 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals — Game 7 |
| Date | May 19, 2024 |
| Venue | Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado |
| Start Time | 8:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. MT |
| Attendance | 19,808 |
| Game Duration | 2 hours, 38 minutes |
| Series Status | Timberwolves win series 4-3 |
| Officials | Marc Davis, James Williams, Pat Fraher |
| Final Score | Minnesota Timberwolves 98 – Denver Nuggets 90 |
The Ball Arena crowd, initially electric, fell into stunned silence as the Timberwolves relentlessly clawed back from a 58‑38 deficit midway through the third quarter.
Key Players & Starting Lineups
| Team | Key Hitters / Scorers | Key Pitchers / Defenders |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jaden McDaniels | Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Anthony Edwards |
| Denver Nuggets | Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. | Aaron Gordon, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Nikola Jokić |
Inning‑by‑Inning / Quarter‑by‑Quarter Scoring Breakdown
| Period | Timberwolves Points | Nuggets Points | Cumulative MIN | Cumulative DEN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 19 | 24 | 19 | 24 |
| 2nd | 19 | 29 | 38 | 53 |
| 3rd | 28 | 14 | 66 | 67 |
| 4th | 32 | 23 | 98 | 90 |
| Final | 98 | 90 | Total: 98 | Total: 90 |
The third‑quarter swing (28‑14 in favor of Minnesota) completely reversed the momentum and set the stage for the historic finish.
The 3rd Period: 28 Runs That Rewrote History
After trailing by as many as 20 points early in the third quarter, the Timberwolves unleashed a ferocious 28‑14 period that silenced the Ball Arena crowd. Below is a play‑by‑play breakdown of the key scoring events that turned the tide:
| Play | Scoring Event | Score MIN | Score DEN |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:41 3Q | Karl-Anthony Towns 16-foot jumper | 40 | 58 |
| 8:12 3Q | Jaden McDaniels 3-pointer (Conley assist) | 45 | 60 |
| 5:47 3Q | Anthony Edwards driving layup | 51 | 62 |
| 4:09 3Q | Naz Reid 3-pointer (Edwards assist) | 56 | 64 |
| 1:55 3Q | Rudy Gobert alley-oop dunk (Conley assist) | 60 | 65 |
| 0:42 3Q | Mike Conley 3-pointer (Towns assist) | 66 | 67 |
The Nuggets’ offense, so dominant in the first half, suddenly collapsed under the weight of Minnesota’s relentless defensive pressure. Nikola Jokić managed only two field goals in the period, while Jamal Murray was held scoreless. The Timberwolves forced three Denver turnovers in the quarter and held the Nuggets to 6‑of‑21 shooting (28.6%). It was the single most lopsided period of the series — and it changed everything.
Standout Performances & Player Highlights
| Player | Team | Stats (PTS-REB-AST-STL-BLK) |
|---|---|---|
| Jamal Murray | DEN | 35 pts (13-27 FG), 3 reb, 3 ast |
| Nikola Jokić | DEN | 34 pts (13-28 FG), 19 reb, 7 ast, 1 blk |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | MIN | 23 pts (8-14 FG), 12 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk |
| Jaden McDaniels | MIN | 23 pts (7-10 FG, 3-4 3PT), 6 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl |
| Anthony Edwards | MIN | 16 pts (6-24 FG), 8 reb, 7 ast, 2 stl |
| Rudy Gobert | MIN | 13 pts (3-7 FG), 9 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk |
Jamal Murray carried Denver’s offense with a game‑high 35 points, but he managed only three points in the decisive fourth quarter as Minnesota’s defense tightened. Karl‑Anthony Towns and Jaden McDaniels combined for 46 points on 15‑of‑24 shooting, providing the scoring punch that Edwards’ off night could not. Despite shooting just 6‑of‑24 from the field, Anthony Edwards impacted the game in every other way — eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and suffocating defense on Murray down the stretch.
Box Scores: Both Teams at a Glance
Minnesota Timberwolves – Full Hitting/Scoring Box Score
| Player | Pos | FG | 3P | FT | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K. Towns | F | 8-14 | 1-6 | 6-6 | 23 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| J. McDaniels | F | 7-10 | 3-4 | 6-7 | 23 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| A. Edwards | G | 6-24 | 2-10 | 2-2 | 16 | 8 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| R. Gobert | C | 3-7 | 0-0 | 7-9 | 13 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| M. Conley | G | 3-10 | 3-5 | 1-2 | 10 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| N. Reid | 4-7 | 1-4 | 2-2 | 11 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| K. Anderson | 0-1 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| N. Alexander-Walker | 0-6 | 0-5 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| TOTALS | 31-79 | 10-34 | 26-30 | 98 | 47 | 18 | 9 | 6 | 7 |
Denver Nuggets – Full Hitting/Scoring Box Score
| Player | Pos | FG | 3P | FT | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. Murray | G | 13-27 | 4-12 | 5-5 | 35 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| N. Jokić | C | 13-28 | 2-10 | 6-7 | 34 | 19 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| M. Porter Jr. | F | 3-12 | 1-6 | 0-0 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| K. Caldwell-Pope | G | 2-7 | 1-4 | 0-0 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| A. Gordon | F | 2-5 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| C. Braun | 1-3 | 0-1 | 3-4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| J. Holiday | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| R. Jackson | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | |
| TOTALS | 34-83 | 8-33 | 14-16 | 90 | 44 | 18 | 3 | 7 | 10 |
The Nuggets won the shooting percentage battle (41.0% to 39.2%) but were undone by a disastrous third quarter and a 20‑point swing in points off turnovers. Denver committed 10 turnovers to Minnesota’s seven, and the Timberwolves converted those extra possessions into 20 points.
Pitching / Defensive Matchup Breakdown
Minnesota Timberwolves Defensive Leaders
| Defender | Steals | Blocks | Defensive Rebounds | Contested Shots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. McDaniels | 2 | 1 | 2 | 9 |
| M. Conley | 2 | 0 | 7 | 5 |
| A. Edwards | 2 | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| R. Gobert | 1 | 2 | 7 | 7 |
| K. Towns | 2 | 1 | 10 | 6 |
Denver Nuggets Defensive Leaders
| Defender | Steals | Blocks | Defensive Rebounds | Contested Shots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K. Caldwell-Pope | 2 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| N. Jokić | 0 | 1 | 13 | 12 |
| M. Porter Jr. | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 |
| A. Gordon | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| C. Braun | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
The Timberwolves’ defensive length and activity proved the difference. Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards combined to hold Jamal Murray to just 3 points in the fourth quarter, while Rudy Gobert anchored the paint and altered countless Denver drives. The Nuggets’ defense, which had been stout through three straight wins, allowed 32 fourth‑quarter points — the highest single‑period total of the night for either team.
Key Statistics Comparison Table
| Statistic | Minnesota Timberwolves | Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Final Points | 98 | 90 |
| Field Goals | 31-79 (39.2%) | 34-83 (41.0%) |
| Turnovers | 7 | 10 |
| 3-Pointers | 10-34 (29.4%) | 8-33 (24.2%) |
| Points in Paint | 38 | 44 |
| Fouls Committed | 21 | 23 |
| Free Throws | 26-30 (86.7%) | 14-16 (87.5%) |
| Rebounds | 47 (11 offensive) | 44 (11 offensive) |
| Points Off Turnovers | 20 | 14 |
| Blocks | 6 | 7 |
Quotes & Reactions
Anthony Edwards: “I’m trash, 6‑of‑24. But look, we’re all plus‑minus in the positive. It showed us who we are. Once we lock in on the defensive side, we are a heck of a team to beat.”
Nikola Jokić: “Yes. I think they’re built to beat us. Just look at their roster. They have basically two All‑Stars, two All‑Defensive First Team players, and Mike Conley, who’s the most underrated player in the NBA probably.”
Chris Finch (Timberwolves Head Coach): “We said to ourselves all series that our best is better than their best. And we just had to play our best.”
Jamal Murray: “It’s back to being the hunters. It’s back to fighting for something with a different type of edge.”
Karl‑Anthony Towns: “We just stayed together. Nobody panicked. We’ve been through too much this season to fold now.”
Match Analysis: What Went Right & Wrong
Minnesota Timberwolves
| Category | Analysis |
|---|---|
| What Went Right | Third-quarter defensive surge, holding Denver to 14 points; clutch shot-making from Towns and McDaniels; Edwards’ defense on Murray in the fourth |
| What Went Wrong | Edwards’ shooting (6-24 FG, 2-10 3PT); bench production outside of Reid (only 13 bench points total) |
| Offensive Strength | Towns’ inside-out game (23 pts, 12 reb); McDaniels’ 3-point shooting (3-4); free throw efficiency (26-30) |
| Defensive Strength | Length and switching; holding Denver to 8-33 from deep; forcing 10 turnovers |
| Strategy | Pack the paint against Jokić, force role players to beat them, and trust Edwards/McDaniels to contain Murray |
Denver Nuggets
| Category | Analysis |
|---|---|
| What Went Right | Murray’s 35-point outburst; Jokić’s 34-19-7 near triple-double; strong first-half offensive flow (53 points) |
| What Went Wrong | Third-quarter collapse (14 points, 6-21 FG); Jokić 2-10 from three; Gordon/Porter Jr. combined 4-17 FG |
| Offensive Strength | Elite Jokić–Murray two-man game; strong offensive rebounding (11 boards) |
| Defensive Strength | First-half rim protection; held Minnesota to 19 points in each of the first two quarters |
| Strategy | Attack Gobert in pick-and-roll, spread the floor with shooters, and double Edwards on drives |
Controversial moment: Late in the fourth quarter, Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokić were caught on a hot mic exchanging words. Edwards, who had waved goodbye to the crowd after a previous win, was asked by Jokić, “Why did you wave at the crowd?” Edwards simply pointed to the scoreboard — a gesture that encapsulated the Timberwolves’ unshakable confidence.
Series / Season Timeline
| Game | Date | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Sat., May 4 | Timberwolves | 106–99 |
| Game 2 | Mon., May 6 | Timberwolves | 106–80 |
| Game 3 | Fri., May 10 | Nuggets | 117–90 |
| Game 4 | Sun., May 12 | Nuggets | 115–107 |
| Game 5 | Tue., May 14 | Nuggets | 112–97 |
| Game 6 | Thu., May 16 | Timberwolves | 115–70 |
| Game 7 | Sun., May 19 | Timberwolves | 98–90 |
The denver nuggets vs timberwolves match player stats from Game 7 encapsulate the entire series narrative: Denver’s stars produced gaudy numbers (Jokić averaged 29.0 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 7.9 APG in the series), but Minnesota’s depth and defensive versatility ultimately proved too much for a Nuggets team that looked fatigued by the final horn.
Where to Watch
- United States: TNT, ESPN, NBA League Pass
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports, Discovery+
- Canada: TSN, Sportsnet
- Australia: ESPN Australia, Kayo Sports
- International: NBA League Pass (global)
Conclusion
The denver nuggets vs timberwolves match player stats from Game 7 tell a story of two halves, one team that ran out of gas and another that refused to quit. Jamal Murray (35 points) and Nikola Jokić (34‑19‑7) posted superstar‑level box scores, yet the Nuggets managed only 90 points — their lowest total of the entire postseason. Meanwhile, Karl‑Anthony Towns (23‑12) and Jaden McDaniels (23 points, 3‑4 3PT) provided the scoring punch, while Anthony Edwards (16‑8‑7) impacted the game defensively in ways the box score cannot fully capture.
The Timberwolves’ 20‑point comeback stands as the largest in NBA Game 7 history, and the numbers — 28‑14 third quarter, 32‑23 fourth quarter, 20 points off turnovers — will forever define one of the most stunning playoff upsets the league has ever seen.
❓ FAQs
Q: What was the final score of Game 7 between the Nuggets and Timberwolves?
A: The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 98‑90 on May 19, 2024.
Q: Who were the top scorers in Game 7?
A: Jamal Murray led all scorers with 35 points. Nikola Jokić added 34 points, and Karl‑Anthony Towns and Jaden McDaniels each scored 23 points for Minnesota.
Q: What was the largest lead in Game 7?
A: The Denver Nuggets led by 20 points (58‑38) midway through the third quarter. The Timberwolves’ comeback is the largest in NBA Game 7 history.
Q: How did Anthony Edwards perform in Game 7?
A: Anthony Edwards shot just 6‑of‑24 from the field (2‑of‑10 from three) but finished with 16 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals. His defense on Jamal Murray in the fourth quarter was instrumental in the win.
Q: What were Nikola Jokić’s stats in Game 7?
A: Nikola Jokić recorded 34 points, 19 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 block while shooting 13‑of‑28 from the field and 2‑of‑10 from three‑point range.
Q: How many times did the Timberwolves hold the Nuggets under 100 points in the series?
A: The Timberwolves held the Nuggets under 100 points in four of the seven games (Games 1, 2, 6, and 7). Minnesota won all four of those contests.
Q: Who won the series?
A: The Minnesota Timberwolves won the series 4‑3, advancing to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004.
