DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets couldn’t quiet an epic second-half comeback by Minnesota or the noise emanating from a boisterous Timberwolves locker room.
It was a thunderous and stinging reminder of the obvious — their reign as champions was over, and much sooner than expected.
The young and confident Timberwolves came into Denver’s house and spoiled the party by eliminating the Nuggets with a 98-90 win Sunday night in Game 7 of their second-round series. Minnesota overcame a 20-point deficit to make the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2004.
“No one ever said this was going to be easy trying to repeat,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.
The Nuggets became the fifth straight reigning champion to fail to reach the conference finals in their quest to repeat. As Malone answered questions following the game, the vibrations from the Timberwolves’ rowdy locker room celebration echoed from down the hall.
Red Lobster seeks bankruptcy protection after closing some restaurants
Klopp takes a walk down memory lane as he prepares for emotional final match as Liverpool manager
Federal judge hearing arguments on challenges to NYC’s fee for drivers into Manhattan
Robin van Persie hired as coach of Dutch club Heerenveen
'The Apprentice,' about a young Donald Trump, premieres in Cannes
Scottie Scheffler is back to business as usual as the World No 1 shoots opening four
What to expect in Kentucky's primaries
Ship that caused Baltimore bridge collapse has been refloated
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looks pristine in a one
Ricky Stenhouse punching Kyle Busch could lead to suspension
Harrison Butker's Kansas City Chiefs jersey among 'most popular' on the NFL's store