ESPN Analysts Owe Timberwolves Fans A Massive Apology

Apr 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) celebrates making a shot against the Denver Nuggets in the second half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Timberwolves fans have been FEASTING on this one.

Before the playoffs began, ESPN’s analyst team released its predictions on each first-round series. For Timberwolves-Nuggets, the thought was unanimous.

To some of their credit, many had the series going seven, but none ultimately had confidence in Minnesota to pull it out.

That’s why they need to apologize.

Timberwolves’ Grit Must Be Acknowledged

That belief likely grew even stronger after the Timberwolves took a 3-1 lead, as they lost starters Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to serious injuries in Game 4.

Ayo Dosunmu, who stepped up to drop a series-saving 43-point Game 4, was also unable to go in Game 6 due to a calf injury.

Three key players down in a matter of days. Even with a 3-2 series lead, many would think the Nuggets should have no problem winning in seven.

Others didn’t.

No Ant. No Donte. No Ayo. No normal rotation against a Nuggets team the Timberwolves have been all too familiar with.

No problem.

The eight-man rotation — which was essentially six if you exclude Bones Hyland’s eight minutes and Jaylen Clark’s twelve — grinded out one of the most inspiring playoff wins in recent memory. Terrence Shannon Jr., who was a DNP-CD in Games 1-3 and played sparingly in Game 4, was a hero.

He flashed a glimpse of production in Minnesota’s Game 5 loss— 15 points (6/10 FG, 2/4 3PT, 1/1 FT) in just under 14 minutes. With little other options after learning Dosunmu couldn’t go, Chris Finch and Co. gave him his first playoff start and only his fourth career start in 87 games.