Overview
- Minnesota, which closed out Denver 110-98 on Thursday, advanced 4-2 and booked a Western Conference semifinal against San Antonio starting Monday in Texas.
- Star guard Anthony Edwards hyperextended his left knee and sustained a bone bruise in Game 4, and he is not expected to be ready for the opener.
- With Edwards sidelined, Jaden McDaniels scored a career-high 32 points with 10 rebounds, and reserve Terrence Shannon Jr. added 24 points in the clincher.
- Rudy Gobert anchored the defense against Nikola Jokic and finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 blocks, setting up a marquee matchup with Victor Wembanyama.
- Denver, the 2023 NBA champion, exits in the first round for only the second time in eight seasons.