The Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday to claim the No. 1 seed in the West. Then Victor Wenbanyama happened.
The NBA Rookie of the Year candidate led the last-place Spurs to a 121-120 victory over the defending champions on Friday, posting 34 points on 12-of-27 shooting, 12 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. That included an unparalleled 17 points in three minutes, as well as a crucial block on Nikola Jokic in the remaining minutes.
The winning goal was scored by Devonte Graham, who ran past Jamal Murray in transition. Spurs take the lead with 0.9 seconds left..
If the Nuggets had done well against the 21-60 Spurs, they would have clinched a healthy spot in the West's No. 1 seed. After defeating the Timberwolves, Denver is now one game behind Minnesota and the Oklahoma City Thunder with two games remaining, both of which are against non-playoff teams. All they had to do was win.
The game was now tied at 56-25 for all three teams. Not only will the Nuggets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 27-54 on Sunday, but both teams will have to lose on Sunday as there will be no tiebreaker. The Thunder will play at home against the Dallas Mavericks, and the Timberwolves will play at home against the Phoenix Suns.
Here's how the tiebreak works: From ESPN's Andrew Lopez:
Wins and losses for all three teams: 1. Thunder, 2. Timberwolves, 3. Nuggets
Thunder and Timberwolves win, Nuggets lose: 1. Timberwolves, 2. Thunder, 3. Nuggets
Thunder and Nuggets win, Timberwolves lose: 1. Thunder, 2. Nuggets, 3. Timberwolves
Timberwolves and Nuggets win, Thunder lose: 1. Timberwolves, 2. Nuggets, 3. Thunder
The Nuggets will be the easiest opponent of that trio, but they will definitely be in the worst position.
This article will be updated with full playoff coverage after tonight's game.
