The conclusion of the Denver Nuggets–Minnesota Timberwolves playoff series has sparked discussion beyond the two teams involved, with some analysts suggesting the biggest beneficiary may actually be the San Antonio Spurs. That idea was recently echoed by Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, who pointed to the physical and emotional toll the matchup took on both sides.
Finch noted that the intense six-game battle between Denver and Minnesota likely left both teams drained heading into the next stage of the postseason. In his view, that wear-and-tear indirectly strengthens San Antonio’s position in the wider playoff race, as both rivals may have come out of the series diminished.
His comments came after Minnesota eliminated Denver, led by Nikola Jokić, in a hard-fought matchup that further extended the rivalry between the two Western Conference contenders. Finch suggested that such repeated postseason clashes tend to “cannibalize” top teams, potentially opening the door for a fresher opponent like San Antonio.
Spurs’ rise changes the conversation
The Spurs’ emergence this season has been one of the more notable storylines in the Western Conference. Anchored by the rapid development of Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio surged during the latter part of the season, stringing together an extended stretch of strong performances that separated them from much of the conference.
Supporters of the team argue that this growth is more than a temporary hot streak. They point to months of steady improvement, particularly after February, when the Spurs began to look more cohesive on both ends of the floor. Unlike teams that peak briefly late in the year, San Antonio’s supporters believe the foundation was built gradually and sustainably.
Veteran forward Keldon Johnson has been part of that evolution, contributing to the team’s physicality and scoring versatility as the roster has taken shape around its young core.
Contrasting trajectories in the West
While San Antonio’s momentum has been building, both Denver and Minnesota have taken more turbulent paths. Minnesota, despite its playoff success, has been criticized for inconsistency throughout the regular season. Injuries have also complicated matters, including the absence of key rotation pieces like Donte DiVincenzo during critical stretches.
Denver, on the other hand, showed flashes of dominance but lacked sustained form late in the season before the playoffs. Their eventual exit after facing Minnesota underscored concerns about consistency despite the elite play of Jokić.
A shifting playoff landscape
The broader narrative forming around the Western Conference is one of attrition. Teams that engage in physically demanding series may find themselves weakened in subsequent rounds, while younger or better-rested squads could benefit.
From that perspective, Finch’s remarks highlight a strategic reality: playoff success is not only about winning individual matchups but also about surviving them in strong condition for what follows.
For San Antonio, the situation presents an opportunity. As rivals emerge battered from intense postseason battles, the Spurs’ relative freshness and upward trajectory position them as a team increasingly difficult to overlook in the conference hierarchy.
Whether that advantage translates into a deep playoff run remains to be seen, but the perception is shifting. What once looked like a developmental season for San Antonio is now being discussed as the beginning of a much larger competitive window.
