Denver Nuggets news: Not even a monster 34-point, 19-rebound double-double from the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player was enough to lift Denver on Sunday night. Nikola Jokic did everything he could to carry his team to a victory only for the Minnesota Timberwolves to snatch a stunning 98-90 comeback victory to book their place in the Western Conference Finals.
The title defense has officially ended for Jokic and Co.
Denver Nuggets News: Nikola Jokic Gets Real on Timberwolves Rivalry

After the game, an understandably dejected Jokic spoke to the press about their season-ending loss. When asked if he feels there is a budding rivalry between themselves and Minnesota, the six-time All-Star got brutally honest in his response.
According to Jokic, he believes that the Wolves are “built to beat” the Nuggets:
"I think they're built to beat us."
Nikola Jokic on if the Timberwolves could be rivals moving forward.#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/xWuyXEEVB0
— NBA (@NBA) May 20, 2024
It’s hard not to agree with Jokic here, especially after watching Minnesota come back from the dead on Sunday night. This team just has no quit in them, and they proved that not only in Game 7 but throughout this series as well.

At this point, it’s back to the drawing board for Jokic and the Nuggets as they prepare for next season. The title reign was good while it lasted, and I’m pretty sure Denver will be back next year to prove that they’re 2023 championship was no fluke.
You can also be sure, however, that the Wolves will have a thing or two to say about that.

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