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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

In a thrilling encounter on Thursday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves tied the series against defending champions Denver Nuggets at 3-3. However, entering Game 7 will be a different experience for the Wolves squad. NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith dived deep into the circumstances and revealed how the team’s point guard, Mike Conley, might not perform as expected. The Game 7 faceoff will be filled with pressure as it will be a do-or-die situation for both sides. But the only thing that would decide the winner is the team play ultimately dominating the other side.

While talking about the playoff action in the NBA, Stephen A. Smith delved deep into the stats for Game 7 against the Nuggets. Then Smith got onto veteran point guard Mike Conley and said, “His[Conley’s] career in Game 7 is 0-4 averaging 13-points, 32% shooting and 23% from three-point range which is nothing to write home about.” The reason why Mike Conley’s experience matters is because it is the first Game 7 for Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. Therefore, the tensions might build up for these young guns and they’ll need support from the experienced ones.

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However, Mike Conley’s side has not won yet during their appearance in Game 7. That’s why the next game against the Nuggets will be a horror for the Wolves’ point guard as well. The memories from the past often crumble the strongest. Therefore, it will be worth watching how Conley will lead the Wolves at Game 7 with his demeanor.

The expectations are high for Conley, as Rudy Gobert himself said to the former after Thursday night’s game not to “leave” him ever again. Gobert was talking here about the Game 5 experience that the Wolves lost. Notably, Conley was absent from that game due to his right calf injury.

Bars Set High for Mike Conley Ahead of Thrilling Game 7 Experience!

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Mike Conley scored only 13 points in the last game. However, there were some intangible factors that made him an important pillar for the Timberwolves team. These factors cannot be quantified. For example, whenever things get too heated for the young members of the team, Conley brings it down with his presence. Moreover, moving the offense in an effective way is Conley’s ability, as the 36-year-old carries a vast career experience with him on the court.

Even a star player like Anthony Edwards does not back up from praising Mike. When he was asked how his team recovered in Game 6, he casually responded, “We got Mike Conley back. As simple as that.” That’s the level of impact that Conley has on the team whenever he is present on the court.

USA Today via Reuters

Even in the last game, Conley proved his veteran status by changing the pace of his game. Usually, his game relies on creating spaces through fast dribbling. However, the injury restrained his movements this time. Notably, Conley has a lot of lessons from the past, including the playoff experience while playing for Utah when he was struggling with a strained hamstring and could not restore his natural game after coming back.

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Along with these instances, the Wolves point guard also created scoring opportunities for Jalen McDaniels. Overall, Conley’s presence on the court is more than important for the Wolves team. With an offensive team like the Denver Nuggets, who love to control the pace of the game, a player like Mike can turn the tables. Will the team play that Conley created to lead the Timberwolves to the finals?