If the Timberwolves are competitors, was the question posed to Nikola Jokic.
The aspiration of the reigning NBA champion to win many titles is officially ended.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are headed to the Western Conference Finals for the second time in their franchise history.
The Denver Nuggets, who had started the season 0-2 and had to battle to win three straight games before winning the final two convincingly, emerged victorious in one of the most thrilling seven-game series in recent NBA history.
Even though the Nuggets had suffered a serious setback, Nikola Jokic handled it with dignity.
The reigning NBA Finals MVP acknowledged that the Timberwolves and Nuggets were a rivalry when he was questioned.
He said the Timberwolves were actually designed to defeat them, citing their two All-Stars, two All-Defensive players, and Mike Conley, who is arguably the league’s most underappreciated player (via Michael Scotto).
Nikola Jokic on whether the Timberwolves and Nuggets are rivals: “Yes. I think they’re built to beat us. 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. I love the guy. He’s so good.” pic.twitter.com/wYy1igCUix
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 20, 2024
Jokic handed the Timberwolves their flowers with a great deal of respect.
Despite giving the impression that Mike Malone’s squad was taking the series back, the Timberwolves battled valiantly and made sure to stick to their formula.
The Timberwolves came together behind their formidable defense, despite Anthony Edwards’ less than stellar shooting performance. They will now face Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the Dallas Mavericks in an exciting series.
At this point, anything can happen, but this squad has a chance to finally overcome its setbacks and qualify for the NBA Finals for the first time in its franchise’s history.