Undermanned Timberwolves Debilitate Nuggets With Energy

The Denver Nuggets entered the Wolves’ den in Minneapolis on Thursday night and failed to make it out alive. The undermanned and illness-stricken Minnesota Timberwolves weathered Denver’s comeback attempts and eliminated the Nuggets from the first round of the NBA Playoffs in Game 6. Minnesota played with transparent desperation, and in the end, they rose to the occasion.

The Target Center Advantage Throughout the Wolves’ recent history, Target Center has earned a reputation as being a difficult place to play. From the starting introductions, the venue was rocking, prompting many fans and pundits in attendance to take note. “It is deafening in here,” Krawczynski posted around the time of tipoff.

Andrew Dukowitz of ZoneCoverage also avowed , “Not sure how well it’s coming through the TV, but I literally can’t communicate with the people next to me. ” The atmosphere made for a very intense, chippy episode in this rivalry. The noise was an issue for the players on the floor when, at one point in the fourth quarter, a Mike Conley foul did not immediately stop play due to the inability to hear the whistles.

It is deafening in here — Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) May 1, 2026 Not sure how well it’s coming through the TV but I literally can’t communicate with the people next to me. Shout out to the crowd, they are brining an insane amount of energy — Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) May 1, 2026 The “Next Man Up” Mentality After Kyle Anderson was ruled out due to illness and Ayo Dosunmu was ruled out nearly 90 minutes before game time, the Timberwolves embraced the “next man up” mentality. Minnesota showed a gutsy, gritty performance that renewed faith in their bench.