After the Denver Nuggets showcased their masterclass performance in three consecutive games from Game 3 to 5 in the semifinal series and snatched the lead from the Minnesota Timberwolves, nobody expected the latter to bounce back with a dominating 45-point victory in Game 6. One of the reasons behind the drastic change is believed to be the presence of Wolves’ Mike Conley Jr.
The Wolves center Rudy Gobert realized the impact Conley had on the squad when he returned to the court on Thursday after missing the previous game due to his sore right Achilles tendon. While going to the locker room following the win, the 4-time DPOY winner told his teammate “Don’t ever leave me again.” Conley assured him with a smile, “I won’t do that to you.”
The two have shared the court as teammates during their days with the Utah Jazz and even with the Timberwolves, so it is obvious that Conley’s presence gives more ease to Gobert, who had a huge role to play in holding back the Nuggets in the 115-70 victory. The French center was a recipient of harsh scrutiny from the NBA world following game 4, but now things look different with Conley by his side. Besides Gobert, Wolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards also credited Conley for his contribution to stabilizing the Minnesota team.
Mike Conley Stabilizes Timberwolves on Return
Mike Conley had a vital role in what was supposed to be a deciding game for the Minnesota-based franchise as the Nuggets had taken a 3-2 lead in the series. His sharpshooting skills gave a boost to the team and the players could operate from the deep because of his veteran presence.
The 36-year-old scored 13 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and gave 5 assists while hitting 5-of-9 shots from the floor and 3-of-6 from downtown. Conley has been averaging 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.5 assists on a nightly basis in the second-round series.
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The Wolves’ offense was led by Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, while Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid and Karl-Anthony Towns took care of the defense. The final game on Sunday will decide which team will proceed to the Western Conference Finals.
