Despite missing three key players — Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, and Ayo Dosunmu — the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a stunning 110-98 home victory over the Denver Nuggets, winning the series 4-2 and advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals.

 

 

Terrence Shannon Jr. emerged as an unlikely hero. The Timberwolves guard, who averaged just 5.6 points per game during the regular season, delivered the best performance of his career in his first-ever playoff start, finishing with 24 points and 6 rebounds.

 

Shannon looked sharp from the opening tip, scoring 12 points in the first half. With one minute remaining in the second quarter, he exploded for a powerful poster dunk that gave Minnesota the lead.

 

 

He continued his strong play in the second half. In the fourth quarter, after Jamal Murray’s three-pointer cut the Timberwolves’ lead to just three points, Shannon drove to the basket and converted a crucial and-one with 1:43 remaining, steadying the Timberwolves and helping seal the victory.

 

Notably, Shannon’s 24 points set his new career playoff high. After the game, he said in an interview: “Be ready when my name is called.”