Deep Dive Into Minnesota Timberwolves Wild 24 Hours

On the morning of April 1st, there was a lot of uncertainty around the Timberwolves. Despite a strong March (11-3, good for third best among all teams), their position in the standings had barely changed. The ownership saga, expected to wrap up months earlier, was still dragging on. There was no word yet on suspensions stemming from the previous game’s brawl with the Detroit Pistons. And in mere hours, they were set to face off with MVP candidate Nikola Jokic and his Denver Nuggets in a nationally televised showdown. The season was hanging in the balance.

Deep Dive Into Minnesota Timberwolves Wild 24 Hours

NBA Hands Out Punishments to Multiple Wolves

The suspension news came in first: just one game for each Timberwolf involved, Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo. Although their absence would certainly be felt against Denver, it was a relief that neither would miss multiple games. Even if they lost to the Nuggets, the Warriors and Grizzlies were facing off against each other at the same time. With one of those teams guaranteed to lose, the Wolves were safe in knowing that a loss wouldn’t drop them too far behind in the playoff hunt. The danger of multi-game suspensions had been avoided.

Back and Forth Affair in the Altitude

Next up, game time. When the Wolves came out ice cold, falling behind 21-5 in the first quarter, it looked like the shorthanded Nuggets would finally get a win over Minnesota. Missing two starters themselves (Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.), the Nuggets came out on a mission. The Wolves had won the previous five contests, dating back to the Western Conference Finals. Denver had no interest in ending the regular season without getting revenge. Jokic was playing at peak MVP level, and finished the game with a stat line never seen in NBA history: the highest-scoring triple-double of all time (61 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists).

But somehow, it wasn’t enough. Anthony Edwards got hot at the right time, hitting clutch shots in the fourth quarter to give Minnesota a brief lead before Nickeil Alexander-Walker knocked down a huge three with under 35 seconds to go in double overtime (yes, double overtime) that put Minnesota back up by one. Following a couple of free throws from Denver, the Wolves had the ball, down one, with the shot clock turned off. Despite everything that had happened, the chaotic climax was still to come.

Game of the Year Ends in Timberwolves Wild Win

Earlier, at the end of the fourth quarter and first overtime, Minnesota had chances to win at the buzzer, missing badly both times. This time, it started even worse. Edwards turned the ball over, and Russell Westbrook took off running. Flying to the rim, he went for a layup to put Denver up three. Miss. It was a huge blunder, but there was no time to dwell. The Wolves came back the other way, Alexander-Walker took a pass from Edwards and fired a three at the buzzer. Another miss. It looked like the Nuggets had survived. But amid the ecstatic crowd celebrating, a faint whistle could be heard. Westbrook, trying to get back into the play after missing on the other end, had collided with Alexander-Walker as he released the shot. The Wolves had three free throws, needing just two to win the game. Alexander-Walker calmly stepped to the line, splashed home the first two, missed the third on purpose to run the out clock, and the game was over. A wild win, 140-139, 2OT secured a season sweep for Minnesota.