Mike Conley’s Impact Leads Timberwolves to Dominant Game 6 Victory
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The Minnesota Timberwolves faced a critical Game 5 loss in their Western Conference semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets, missing the invaluable presence of veteran point guard Mike Conley. Without Conley’s leadership and experience, the team struggled to find its rhythm.
However, Game 6 saw the return of Conley to the lineup, and his impact was felt immediately. Star player Anthony Edwards attributed their success directly to Conley’s return. “We got Mike Conley back,” Edwards remarked. “That was it.” The Timberwolves dominated the Nuggets on Thursday night, securing a resounding 115-70 victory. They set the tone early with a commanding 20-0 run midway through the first quarter and maintained control throughout the game.
Conley’s return forced the Nuggets to rethink their defensive strategy. In Game 5, Denver effectively double-teamed Edwards, exploiting the absence of his reliable outlet. But with Conley back, that approach fell apart. Not only is Conley a proficient 3-point shooter, but he also excels at distributing the ball and involving his teammates. This allowed the Timberwolves to effectively play 4-on-3, slicing through the Nuggets’ defense.
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“Obviously I wanted to play last game,” Conley said. “Just couldn’t move at all. Tonight it was a no-brainer. I was going to try to find a way. We’re just better when we’re a complete team.” Minnesota certainly benefited from his presence, especially considering he missed Game 5 due to Achilles soreness. Conley finished Game 6 with 13 points, five assists, and four rebounds, all without committing a single turnover. His presence made life easier for everyone, particularly Edwards, who was more efficient on Thursday than in the previous game.
The series now heads to a decisive Game 7 on Sunday. The start time will depend on the outcome of the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers series. If the Knicks close out the Pacers on Friday night, the Timberwolves and Nuggets will play at 3:30 p.m. ET. If the Knicks and Pacers require a Game 7, the Timberwolves vs. Nuggets showdown will be scheduled for the evening.
With the momentum swinging back in their favor, the Timberwolves are poised for a dramatic conclusion to this thrilling series.
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