Following the Nuggets’ humiliating Game 6 loss to the Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals, the following are my initial thoughts:

Jamal Murray struggles: The premier player for the Nuggets was no longer the enemy. And he required the boos’ vigor. Compared to T.J. Hooker, the Nuggets missed more open shots. Murray, who was ignored by the fans, represented the challenges. During the first half, he scored two points on 1-of-10 shooting, marking his latest cold start. With 8:06 left in the third quarter, he made his first 3-pointer. He finished with 10 points before resting his elbow on the bench. The Nuggets made 17 of their first 21 3-pointers, securing a Sunday elimination match. With 8:33 left, the sold-out audience started chanting, “Wolves in 7!” The Nuggets have defeated the Jazz and Clippers in their last two Game 7s, which both occurred in the bubble. Furthermore, keep in mind that they have a winning streak of one game at Ball Arena. That is it, then.

McDaniels McNuggets: Unexpected contributors can still find success in the postseason. Jaden McDaniels, who played with the explosive athleticism of Heisman quarterback Jayden Daniels, took over the role on Thursday. Following a scoreless Game 5, McDaniels accepted the Nuggets’ challenge to attempt a shot. He scored 13 goals in the first half, showing off his early hotness. In the five games prior, he had not scored more than eleven points. Just one point short of his career playoff best of 25, which he scored against the Suns in the opening round, McDaniels scored 21 points. Even though Anthony Edwards persevered despite a right hip ailment and had more points at the half (19) than he had in Game 5 (18), it was McDaniels who delivered the unexpected blow.

20–20-0 Vision: The Nuggets looked as though they had undergone identity bypass surgery throughout the first quarter. They made four mistakes, two of which were made by Nikola Jokic, who in Game 5 had zero on 129 touches. They brought the crowd to life with simple jump shots missed and a panicked fall into a sinkhole. When game six get-in tickets went from $530 in Game 3 to $70, Minnesotans’ faith was eroding. Target Center’s throng of supporters was duly rewarded. In response to the Nuggets’ 9-0 run, the Timberwolves put off a 20-0 run that put them ahead 22-9, a lead they would never give up in a blowout.