Timberwolves Stun Nuggets, Knicks Dominate Hawks to Advance in NBA Playoffs
The NBA playoff landscape shifted dramatically on Thursday as the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a major upset against the Denver Nuggets, whereas the New York Knicks delivered one of the most lopsided victories in postseason history. Both teams closed out their first-round series with 4-2 victories, setting the stage for a high-stakes second round.
Minnesota Timberwolves Topple the Nuggets
In a gritty performance, the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the third-seeded Denver Nuggets with a 110-98 win. The victory marks the earliest playoff exit for Denver since the 2017-18 season.
Minnesota managed this feat despite playing without star Anthony Edwards due to injury. Jaden McDaniels stepped up as the primary offensive catalyst, scoring a career-high 32 points to lead all scorers. Terrence Shannon Jr also provided critical support, contributing 24 points as the Timberwolves consistently attacked the paint, particularly with Aaron Gordon absent from the Denver lineup.
The game remained tight until the final moments. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic fought to keep Denver alive, scoring 28 points—including 14 in the third quarter alone—but he couldn’t overcome Minnesota’s defensive pressure. The tension boiled over during the contest, as Jokic was involved in a brawl with Jaylen Clark, adding to a volatile series in which Jokic had previously been ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“It’s a great night. It’s a great victory for us. Hopefully… We’ve got 12 more to go,” said Minnesota coach Chris Finch. “We came into these playoffs not trying to beat Denver, but trying to win a championship.”
The Timberwolves now advance to the Western Conference semi-finals, where they will face the San Antonio Spurs.
New York Knicks Record Historic Blowout
While Minnesota fought for every point, the New York Knicks dismantled the Atlanta Hawks in a 140-89 rout. The victory was defined by an unprecedented 67-13 run that resulted in the largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history.
OG Anunoby spearheaded the attack, scoring a game-high 29 points on efficient 11-for-14 shooting from the field. The Knicks’ depth was on full display as 10 different bench players combined for 44 points, effectively turning the game into a blowout by the second quarter.
The dominance on the court was occasionally marred by aggression; Mitchell Robinson and Dyson Daniels were both ejected late in the second quarter following a fight. Despite the skirmish, the Knicks maintained control to secure their 4-2 series win and move one step closer to redemption after last spring’s Eastern Conference Final loss.
Playoff Bracket Updates and Game 7 Outlook
The action didn’t stop with the series closures. In the East, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 106-93, tying their series at 3-3. The two teams now head to a decisive Game 7 to determine who advances.
Upcoming First-Round Schedule (Friday, May 1)
- Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic: Magic lead series 3-2 (7 p.m. ET)
- Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors: Cavaliers lead series 3-2 (7:30 p.m. ET)
- Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets: Lakers lead series 3-2 (9:30 p.m. ET)
Key Takeaways from Thursday’s Action
| Team | Result | Key Performer | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 110-98 vs DEN | Jaden McDaniels (32 pts) | Advanced to face Spurs |
| New York Knicks | 140-89 vs ATL | OG Anunoby (29 pts) | Advanced to Second Round |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 106-93 vs BOS | N/A | Heading to Game 7 |
As the first round winds down, the focus shifts to health and momentum. Minnesota will desperately need Anthony Edwards back in the lineup to remain competitive against San Antonio, while the Knicks look to maintain their historic offensive rhythm in the next round.