How Terrence Shannon Jr helped Timberwolves overcome injuries to upset Nuggets in round one of NBA Playoffs originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Timberwolves had just eight players at their disposal for their Game 6 matchup with the Nuggets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. They looked undaunted by the challenge, authoring yet another epic showcase to down Denver and advance to the second round for the third straight season.
It was a star-laden affair — without the stars, at least in Minnesota’s case. Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr. might as well have been, though, combining for 56 points to anchor Minnesota’s attack.
The Timberwolves needed every bit of their production. Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo were absent with injuries, as was newly minted hero Ayo Dosunmu. In their stead, McDaniels, Shannon and Co. stepped up. Their fiery displays put Minnesota over the top. The Nuggets were unable to respond, struggling to keep up with the sprightly bunch as they saw their season come to a close.
With that, here’s a look at how the Timberwolves bested the heavily favored Nuggets in Game 6.
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How did the Timberwolves upset the Nuggets?
The Timberwolves were bruised and bandaged when they stepped on the floor Thursday night. Edwards and DiVincenzo were already ruled out, having suffered a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise and a torn right Achilles, respectively, during Minnesota’s Game 4 win over Denver.
Dosunmu, the hero of that Game 4 victory, was a late scratch in Game 6, felled by a calf injury. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was forced to dip deep into his rotation to account for Edwards, DiVincenzo and Dosunmu’s absences. Thirty-eight-year-old Mike Conley got the start for the second straight game. Shannon soon joined him, taking Dosunmu’s place in the starting lineup after producing 15 points in 14 minutes in Game 5.
Conley offered understated but valuable contributions, posting seven points and six assists in 36 minutes of action. Shannon, meanwhile, came out firing. The Illinois product erupted for 24 points on 9-of-20 shooting, using his blistering speed to get to the cup/
MORE: Why Nikola Jokic got into shoving match with Timberwolves in tense Game 6
Jaylen Clark aided in efforts to blight Jamal Murray, while Rudy Gobert locked down the paint — at least until Jokic’s second-half barrage.
There were plenty of bright contributions from Minnesota’s supporting cast. Gobert nearly recorded a triple-double, falling two assists short of the accolade. Still, no player shined quite like Jaden McDaniels, however. The 25-year-old wing might give the illusion of a strictly lockdown defender. But he flaunted the all-around nature of his game in Thursday’s win, posting a game-high 32 points on 13-of-25 shooting to power the Timberwolves’ attack. He held Murray quiet on the other end, playing a leading role in Murray’s 4-of-17 outing.
McDaniels talked a big game during the series. He backed it up in a major way on Thursday night. Timberwolves supporters are certainly grateful for his contributions, relishing in the joy of another lengthy postseason run.
MORE: What’s next for Nuggets?
Notable Timberwolves injuries
Anthony Edwards
Edwards, Minnesota’s talisman, was cut down by a left knee injury after landing awkwardly partway through the Wolves’ 112-96 win in Game 4. He was diagnosed with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise.
Edwards avoided serious injury with his diagnosis. However, he is considered week-to-week, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Edwards is expected to miss “multiple weeks” with the injury.
Donte DiVincenzo
DiVincenzo suffered the most severe of the injuries, seeing his season come to a close after rupturing his Achilles in Game 4. He underwent surgery to repair the tendon on April 26. It’s likely he’ll miss the whole of the 2026-27 season as a result of the malady.
Ayo Dosunmu
Dosunmu surprisingly popped up on the injury list ahead of Thursday’s night’s game, being ruled out with a right calf injury. Dosunmu was initially listed as questionable. However, he was downgraded to out about an hour before tip-off.
Dosunmu has dealt with calf trouble for much of the season, missing four of Minnesota’s final 10 regular-season contests with the issue, according to Dane Moore.
Terrence Shannon Jr. stats vs. Nuggets
- Points: 24
- Rebounds: 6
- Assists: 1
- Steals: 2
- Blocks: 0
- TOs: 1
- Fouls: 2
- FGs: 9-20
- 3Ps: 1-7
- FTs: 5-5
Jaden McDaniels stats vs. Nuggets
- Points: 32
- Rebounds: 10
- Assists: 3
- Steals: 2
- Blocks: 1
- TOs: 0
- Fouls: 4
- FGs: 13-25
- 3Ps: 1-4
- FTs: 5-6