Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert relishes challenge of tough Nuggets series

The Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Denver Nuggets with a 110-98 win in Game 6 on Thursday night, closing the first-round series 4-2 and advancing to the Western Conference semifinals for the third straight season.

Minnesota’s defense found its center of gravity in Rudy Gobert, who helped put out fires against Nikola Jokic when the game was in the balance while finishing with 10 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and one steal in 42 minutes. Across the six-game series, Gobert averaged 7.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.5 combined steals and blocks.

“I live for this… I couldn’t ask for any better challenge in the first round of the Playoffs,” the 33-year-old said following the win.

“I live for this… I couldn’t ask for any better challenge in the first round of the Playoffs.”

Rudy Gobert after the Wolves eliminate Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets

(via @SneakerReporter) pic.twitter.com/ibMths7VhX

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The Timberwolves played shorthanded throughout the contest, missing Anthony Edwards (bone bruise and hyper-extended left knee), Donte DiVincenzo (ruptured right Achilles tendon), Ayo Dosunmu (calf), and Kyle Anderson (illness). Minnesota used only eight players and turned to a reshuffled rotation to close out Denver.

Jaden McDaniels led the way for the Timberwolves with 32 points and 10 rebounds, while Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 24 points in his surprise start. Julius Randle contributed 18 points, and Naz Reid had 15, as Minnesota’s frontcourt carried the offense.

For the Nuggets, Jokic finished with 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Cameron Johnson added 27 points. Jamal Murray finished with 12 points on an abysmal 4-of-17 shooting as the Timberwolves’ defense limited him throughout the series. Denver also went 10-for-27 from three-point range in the loss.

Minnesota controlled the paint, outscoring the Nuggets 64-40 inside and winning the rebounding battle 50-33.

The Timberwolves now move on to face the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals.

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