With a 2-0 lead against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinal series, the Minnesota Timberwolves were in a dominant position. But because to Nikola Jokić’s outstanding play, the reigning champs have won three straight games.
Game 6 is a make-or-break scenario for Anthony Edwards and company, as Mike Malone’s team needs only one victory to move on in the postseason. But Timberwolves supporters won’t be feeling good about their chances now that Mike Conley has been added to the injury report.
The Wolves are listing Mike Conley as questionable for Game 6, and they have updated the injury to call it a right soleus strain. https://t.co/eEZXDrmCKd
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) May 15, 2024
Before Game 6, the Minnesota Timberwolves have only added one player to the official injury report. Due to a leg injury, Mike Conley is classified as “questionable.”
Conley sustained a right Achilles injury in the series’ fourth game. With just 25.3 seconds left in the game, the point guard tried a contested three-pointer with the Wolves behind by eight points. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope did not make contact, but Conley landed awkwardly and was observed returning on defense with a small limp.
This is where Mike Conley suffered the injury, per Chris Finch pic.twitter.com/eJ7O1ClivZ
— Jace frederick (@JaceFrederick) May 15, 2024
The six-foot guard didn’t appear to be wounded at first glance. But the anguish was severe enough to prevent him from playing in Game 5. Instead, the competition was initiated by Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Even though the Canadian played for about forty minutes, he was unable to compensate for Conley’s absence.
Anthony Edwards to play Mike Conley’s role?
Conley’s injury forced Anthony Edwards to step in and write the play. To his credit, Edwards did manage to register his highest number of assists in a single postseason game—9. But it did negatively impact his main point total. Ant, who regularly shared the ball, only tried 15 shots (six fewer than in the first four games) and finished the game with just 18 points, according to ESPN.
Guards like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Monte Morris would have to step up and become the major creators if Mike Conley had to stay out of the game, passing the ball to Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. The 36-year-old’s absence from the starting lineup will make it difficult for the Wolves to win, but they are hoping that the home crowd can spur them to a 3-3 series tie.
