Timberwolves and Nuggets: A Rivalry Renewed
A Look Back at the Playoff History Between Two Historic Franchises
The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets are set to face off in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs. It's a matchup that has been brewing for years, as the two teams have been among the most competitive in the Western Conference in recent seasons. But beyond their recent success, there's a rich history between these two franchises that dates back to the early days of the NBA.
A Rivalry Born in the Playoffs
The Timberwolves and Nuggets first met in the playoffs in the 1994 Western Conference semifinals. The Nuggets won the series in four games, but the Timberwolves got their revenge the following year, defeating the Nuggets in five games in the first round. Since then, the two teams have met in the playoffs five more times, with each team winning three series.
The most recent playoff meeting between the Timberwolves and Nuggets came in the 2018 Western Conference semifinals. The Nuggets won the series in four games, but the Timberwolves pushed them to the limit in every game. The two teams are now set to face off once again in the playoffs, and it's sure to be another memorable series.
Key Playoff Moments
There have been many key moments in the playoff history between the Timberwolves and Nuggets. Here are a few of the most memorable:
- 1994 Western Conference semifinals, Game 4: The Nuggets clinched the series with a 98-92 victory in Game 4. Dikembe Mutombo led the way for the Nuggets with 22 points and 16 rebounds, while Kevin Garnett had 21 points and 14 rebounds for the Timberwolves.
- 1995 Western Conference first round, Game 5: The Timberwolves clinched the series with a 108-94 victory in Game 5. Tom Gugliotta led the way for the Timberwolves with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Mutombo had 22 points and 15 rebounds for the Nuggets.
- 2009 Western Conference first round, Game 4: The Nuggets clinched the series with a 120-111 victory in Game 4. Carmelo Anthony led the way for the Nuggets with 26 points and 9 rebounds, while Al Jefferson had 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves.
- 2018 Western Conference semifinals, Game 4: The Nuggets clinched the series with a 108-98 victory in Game 4. Nikola Jokic led the way for the Nuggets with 33 points and 11 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns had 23 points and 15 rebounds for the Timberwolves.
The Future of the Rivalry
The Timberwolves and Nuggets are two of the most promising young teams in the NBA. They have both been building towards this moment for years, and they are finally ready to compete for a championship. The 2023 Western Conference playoffs are sure to be a memorable one, and the Timberwolves-Nuggets matchup is one of the most intriguing storylines to watch.
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