The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just survive Game 6 they imposed their will. Behind a career-defining performance from Jaden McDaniels and an unexpected spark from Terrence Shannon Jr., Minnesota powered past the Denver Nuggets 110-98 on Thursday night, clinching the Western Conference first-round series 4-2 and advancing despite being severely short-handed.
With multiple key guards sidelined, McDaniels stepped into the spotlight and delivered one of the most complete performances of his career 32 points and 10 rebounds, paired with relentless defense.
He was everywhere late in the game. With the Nuggets pushing, McDaniels calmly knocked down a clutch 19-foot jumper to extend the lead, then followed it by intercepting a rushed pass from Nikola Jokic, sealing the momentum and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
More than just scoring, McDaniels embraced the physical, emotional tone of the game locking down Jamal Murray, who struggled mightily with just 12 points on 4-for-17 shooting.
Pressed into a surprise starting role, rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. gave Minnesota something it desperately lacked speed and downhill aggression.
Shannon poured in 24 points, repeatedly slicing through Denver’s defense. His three-point play with 1:43 remaining stretched the lead and effectively broke the Nuggets’ final push.
With Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, and Ayo Dosunmu all sidelined, Shannon’s emergence wasn’t just helpful it was essential.
Minnesota reshaped its identity for this game and dominated because of it.
Deploying a bigger lineup featuring Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid, the Timberwolves overwhelmed Denver physically: 64-40 advantage in points in the paint And a 50-33 edge in rebounding.
Gobert anchored everything with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists, while also making life difficult for Jokic in the paint with his length and anticipation.
Even as Jokic flirted with a triple-double (28 points, 10 assists, nine rebounds), Minnesota’s collective defense made every touch labor-intensive.
For Denver, the loss continues a troubling trend since their 2023 championship run. While Jokic remained brilliant, the supporting cast couldn’t keep pace.
Cameron Johnson led the team with 27 points and hit key threes, but the Nuggets shot just 10-for-27 from deep overall. Murray never found rhythm, largely due to McDaniels’ suffocating defense.
Despite forcing Game 6 with a strong Game 5 performance, the Nuggets ultimately lacked the depth, energy, and consistency needed to match Minnesota’s intensity.
The sixth-seeded Timberwolves now move on to face the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals. The Spurs, fresh off a five-game series win over Portland, will host Game 1 on Monday.
For Minnesota, this wasn’t just a series win it was a declaration. Even without their primary creators, they found a way through defense, rebounding, and sheer effort.
And if Game 6 proved anything, it’s this: the Timberwolves are far more dangerous than their seed suggests.
