NBA Playoffs: Timberwolves Eliminate Nuggets; Knicks Set Postseason Record; Sixers Force Game 7
The 2026 postseason structure has been reconfigured following three decisive results, with the Timberwolves completing a series upset over Denver and the Knicks establishing a new historical benchmark for offensive dominance.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after defeating the Denver Nuggets 110-98. This victory eliminates the third-seeded Nuggets from the tournament, leaving the sixth-seeded Timberwolves to face the San Antonio Spurs in the next round. The series concluded with a 4-2 record for Minnesota, marking a significant upset against a team that last won the NBA championship just three years ago.
The contest in Minneapolis was characterised by a tight defensive battle until the final moments, with no team holding a double-digit lead until the closing seconds. The Timberwolves secured the win with a career-high 32 points from Jaden McDaniels, who scored a crucial jump shot with 90 seconds remaining to force a timeout. Nikola Jokić, who scored 28 points for Denver, was ejected in Game 4 for unsportsmanlike conduct and sparked another altercation during this match, contributing to a visibly frustrated response from the Nuggets organisation.
In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks routed the Atlanta Hawks 140-89 to secure their spot in the conference semifinals. This performance set an NBA postseason record with a 47-point halftime lead of 83-36, the widest margin in the history of the playoffs. The Knicks' starters were rested for the final quarter, with OG Anunoby scoring 29 points before being substituted, while no starter played more than 29 minutes in the game.
The Philadelphia 76ers forced a decisive Game 7 against the Boston Celtics by winning 106-93, tying the series at 3-3. This result marks the 23rd playoff meeting between the two franchises, an NBA record. Joel Embiid contributed 19 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists for Philadelphia, while Tyrese Maxey led the scoring with 30 points. The game will be played in Massachusetts, with the series outcome now dependent on the result of this final contest.
These developments underscore the volatility of the current postseason structure, where seeding and home-court advantage play critical roles in determining conference advancement. The Timberwolves' ability to overcome the absence of star player Anthony Edwards, who is out with a bone bruise and hyperextended left knee, highlights the depth of their roster. Conversely, the Knicks' dominance demonstrates a strategic approach that prioritises defensive suffocation and offensive efficiency within the first half.
The institutional implications of these results will shape the trajectory of the conference semifinals, with the Timberwolves now tasked with navigating a series against the Spurs. Meanwhile, the Knicks and Sixers have established themselves as primary contenders in their respective conferences, setting the stage for a second round defined by high stakes and historic rivalries.
