"Key Elements to Watch in Nuggets-Wolves Game 7"

 If the script of this Western Conference semifinal adheres to its pattern until the very end, then Rudy Gobert will emerge victorious in Game 7 with a 35-foot jumper at the buzzer, slaying the defending champs. Because, why not?

"This series has been peculiar for both teams," remarked Wolves center Karl-Anthony Towns. "We secure two wins on their court, they reciprocate on ours, they clinch a significant win at home, we respond with a dominant performance on our turf. It's about time someone breaks this cycle in Game 7."

One would assume so. The Nuggets and Wolves have reached this pivotal juncture by showcasing their strengths, albeit with some unexpected twists. Yet, Game 7 situations typically favor common sense and the superior team.

This decisive game will lay bare the true essence of the teams, coaches, and players; their ability to make critical decisions and handle pressure will determine their fates. In Game 7, there's no room for pretense; everything is laid bare.

As Wolves guard Mike Conley aptly put it, "You'll see everyone giving their utmost."

Here are four key factors to observe in Sunday's tense Game 7:

1. Jamal Murray's Battle with Ant and Injuries

Jamal Murray, the Nuggets' second-best player and go-to guy in clutch moments, faces several challenges:

- Anthony Edwards' tight defense.

- Dealing with a sore elbow and calf muscle.

It's difficult to discern which poses a greater obstacle for Murray, who struggled in Game 6 and hasn't consistently performed at his best in this series or the playoffs overall. However, Murray has a knack for rising to the occasion.

In a closely contested game, Jokic often defers to Murray, who excels at navigating screens and sinking mid-range jumpers. However, Murray must contend with physical pressure from Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, coupled with his own physical ailments. While Murray may deserve some leniency given his circumstances, facing both a sore elbow and a determined Edwards makes for a tough challenge.

"I just need to focus on getting better and be prepared for Sunday," Murray remarked.

2. Impact of KAT's Defense on Jokic

If Nikola Jokic performs his usual magic for the majority of the game, the outcome might not be in doubt late in the fourth quarter. When Jokic dominates offensively with his scoring and passing, the Nuggets usually hold the advantage. However, Karl-Anthony Towns has managed to contain Jokic to a certain extent in this series.

Towns, with his size advantage over Gobert, provides a different defensive look against Jokic, knowing when to apply physicality and when to avoid fouls. This defensive strategy was likely the Wolves' rationale behind acquiring Gobert a few years ago, giving them a tandem of big men capable of causing matchup problems, even against a team like Denver.

With Towns disrupting Jokic's rhythm and Gobert acting as a defensive anchor, the Wolves present one of the most formidable defensive challenges to Jokic, outside of Joel Embiid.

It's worth noting that Jokic has dominated matchups against Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo in previous postseason series. If Minnesota fails to contain him, no team might do so this postseason.

3. Ant's Potential in High-Stakes Moments

Young rising stars often focus on establishing their reputations without fully grasping the magnitude of their challenges.

"I've never been in a Game 7," admitted Anthony Edwards.

However, this lack of experience doesn't necessarily imply that Edwards won't rise to the occasion. Throughout this postseason, he has demonstrated composure and excellence, unfazed by the pressure. Edwards dismantled the Suns and Kevin Durant in the first round and has outperformed most players in this series except Jokic.

His relaxed demeanor off the court contrasts with the intensity he brings on it. Expect Edwards to embrace the challenge of facing the defending champions in a win-or-go-home situation on the road, with the Wolves' season hanging in the balance.

4. Impact of Unsung Heroes

In crucial moments like Game 7, unexpected contributors often emerge to influence the outcome.

Who might step up?

Jaden McDaniels' disruptive defense has troubled the Nuggets, justifying the Wolves' decision to extend his contract last summer.

Naz Reid, recipient of the Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, provides defensive resistance against Jokic while also knocking down three-pointers. Mike Conley, a seasoned veteran hungry for his first title, could make an impact if his calf holds up.

For the Nuggets, Christian Braun's defense has troubled Edwards at times, while Justin Holiday, though inconsistent, could be a threat if he finds his shooting rhythm early.

However, the game may hinge on a resurgence from Michael Porter Jr., who has been largely ineffective recently despite a strong showing in the first round. The Nuggets desperately need him to recapture his form for a chance at victory.