With the Minnesota Timberwolves leading the Denver Nuggets 2-0 heading into Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals series between the teams, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith made a bold prediction. And he was wrong.
During ESPN’s pregame show on Friday, Smith predicted that the Timberwolves would not only win the series but would win it in four straight.
“I believe the Minnesota Timberwolves are gonna sweep the reigning, defending NBA Champions. No shade on the Denver Nuggets whatsoever. But you’ve got to score to win basketball games.”
“I believe the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to sweep the [Denver Nuggets].” – Stephen A. Smith 🏀pic.twitter.com/MTFjFOynIg
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 10, 2024
It certainly wasn’t a baseless prediction. The Timberwolves were not only up 2-0 but had won both of the first two games in Denver. And beyond being up 2-0 in the series, Minnesota entered Friday’s game with a 6-0 playoff record.
But the Timberwolves will not sweep the Nuggets. Denver dominated Friday’s game from the outset, taking a 28-20 lead after one quarter and a 56-41 lead at halftime. The Nuggets kept the pressure on in the second half and came away with a dominant 117-90 win.
The internet keeps receipts. And as it became clear that the Nuggets would win Game 3 in Minnesota, those receipts were strong.
The moment you knew the Minnesota Timberwolves were in trouble tonight. https://t.co/4NPvmfCT2A
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 11, 2024
Jinxed them https://t.co/QUoKKgcW5Q
— Will Ojanen (@WillsWorldMN) May 11, 2024
SPEAK UP STEPHEN 😂🤡 #MUSH #Nuggets by 30+ @stephenasmith @TweetAgedPoorly https://t.co/Gg6DFzrHGV
— IB THE GAMBLER 🔌 (@incarceratedbob) May 11, 2024
Real reason Wolves are getting schmoked https://t.co/Op2UeYgqiV
— Brian Johnson (@btxj) May 11, 2024
While there will be no sweep, Minnesota is still very much in control of the series. Despite that, the series has a dramatically different look now than it did when Smith predicted that the Timberwolves would break out the brooms.
[Photo Credit: ESPN]
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