The Wolves Come for Minnesota: Story of the Series
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been eliminated from the 2023 NBA playoffs.
There’s a reason wolves form packs. It’s the same reason any species does the same. There’s strength in numbers. For as fearsome as wolves may be, there are some wild beasts that are even more formidable. For the Minnesota Timberwolves, that more formidable foe was the Denver Nuggets.
Before the series had even began, the Timberwolves were the underdogs. And why wouldn’t they be? They were facing off against the West’s best, led by the Giant of Denver himself. Nikola Jokić. Facing the reigning two-time MVP of the league would be a tall task in its own right. But the pale giant did not come alone. With the returning Jamal Murray at his side, the prospectors from Colorado seem utterly unstoppable in their hunt for gold.
Even so, the Timberwolves did not go out with a whimper. Like a cornered animal, Minnesota wasted no time in bearing its fangs. They fought and clawed, looking to take a pound of flesh at the very least. Every single game was an absolute war. And yet their ferocity only seemed to anger the Nuggets, who proceeded to take the first three games and putting their boot on the neck of the wolf. Despite this, the wolves refused to lay down, taking the fourth game in overtime.
But in game five, the inevitable arrived as Denver eliminated the Timberwolves. Though only just. The wolves were but three points away from tying and forcing overtime. Unfortunately, the firepower of young wolf Anthony Edwards was not enough. The ‘Ant Man’ averaged over 30 points a night in this series, with a bevy of assists and rebounds as well. In the end however, this series reinforced a key tenet of basketball. One that we constantly either ignore, forget, or outright argue.
At the end of the day, basketball is a team sport.
No one man can do it all himself. Not Anthony Edwards. Not Nikola Jokić. Not Stephen Curry. Not LeBron James. Not even Michael Jordan himself. Sure, having a superstar no doubt grants the team that is home to them more favourable odds. But there’s a reason why any building that is still standing is built on more than one pillar. ‘The Joker’ was a big contributing factor to the Nuggets moving on to the next round. But he wasn’t the only factor. And that’s the most important one.
And yet even in defeat, I do not feel worried for Minnesota’s future. These wolves may only be pups at the moment, but in time and with the proper guidance I am confident in saying that we will see them back in the playoffs. Licking their wounds may leave a bitter taste in their mouth for now, but once it subsides I am confident that only one will remain in that of Anthony Edwards and Co.
