The Nuggets decided against Russell Westbrook right before they won their first title. This year, they made the bold bet.

NBA fans react to Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry being ruled out for Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Golden State Warriors are one loss away from having their 2024-25 NBA season be over. The Minnesota Timberwolves have them on the ropes with a 3-1 series deficit. This matchup changed dramatically when Stephen Curry left Game 1 with a hamstring injury. At first things looked promising.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards. The Golden State Warriors do not. Sometimes, it's just that simple. The Wolves, led by Edwards' 30 points and five assists, beat the Dubs 117-110 on Monday night to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the semifinals of the Western Conference playoffs.

Road teams are having an uncommonly strong run in the playoffs this year and wreaking havoc in the second round of the postseason.

As Game 3 unfolded through a closely contested first half, a gritty third quarter, a tense fourth, and a chaotic overtime, one question hovered: Which team would come through for its Kia MVP candidate?

It may sound familiar, but for the Nuggets, the messaging is proving quite prophetic of late.

For those who keep track of such things, the Nuggets shot 9-for-44 from the field and 1-for-25 from 3 in the first and fourth quarters.