The Minnesota Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference semi-finals of the NBA play-offs after defeating the Denver Nuggets 110-98 in Game 6 to seal a 4-2 series win.
Minnesota led 57-50 at halftime before Nikola Jokic sparked a Denver fightback with 14 points in the third quarter. The three-time MVP finished with 28 points and 10 assists but was also involved in a heated altercation with Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark, with both players receiving technical fouls along with Naz Reid.
Despite Jokic’s efforts, Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with a career-high 32 points, guiding his team into the next round. Minnesota could be further strengthened by the possible return of Anthony Edwards for their semi-final opener against the San Antonio Spurs.
In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks produced a historic performance to crush the Atlanta Hawks 140-89 and clinch their series 4-2. The 51-point victory marked a franchise playoff record, while their 47-point halftime lead set a new NBA postseason benchmark.
Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, while OG Anunoby top-scored with 29 points.
The Knicks have now reached the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive year and will face either the Boston Celtics or the Philadelphia 76ers.
Philadelphia kept their hopes alive with a 106-93 win in Game 6, powered by Tyrese Maxey (30 points) and Paul George (23 points), forcing a decisive Game 7 in Boston.
