The Nuggets lost Game 7 of the Western Conference playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, eliminating their hopes of winning back-to-back championships.

It was the second time the two teams had faced in the playoffs, with the Nuggets defeating the Timberwolves in the first round last year on their way to a championship.

After Sunday’s game, Nuggets big player Nikola Jokić was asked about the possible rivalry between the two sides. The three-time MVP winner paid much of respect to the club that beat him.

“Yes. Jokić believes the future rivalry is geared on defeating them. “Look at their roster. They have two all-stars, two first-team defensive players of the year, and Mike Conley, who is possibly the most underrated player in the NBA. I adore the dude. He’s very talented, and he always makes the proper play. On the bench, they have the Sixth Man of the Year. One crew that can accomplish absolutely everything. “They can be large or small.”

The Nuggets and Timberwolves may face more dramatic fights in the future years.

Nikola Jokić Rudy Gobert Minnesota Timberwolves Denver Nuggets

It’s difficult to recognize a true rivalry until it’s completely developed, but the Timberwolves and Nuggets have been trending in that direction for the past two years.

The teams have now played in consecutive postseasons, with the Nuggets defeating the Wolves in five games last year. While Denver won the series 4-1, four of the five games were decided by less than ten points, making it far from a complete blowout.

Furthermore, the nucleus of both teams appear to be locked in for the foreseeable future. The Timberwolves will stick with Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert, while the Nuggets will rely on three-time MVP Jokić and guard Jamal Murray.

If Minnesota wins the championship this year, the potential rivalry between the Nugs and Wolves will be heightened by a number of reasons, including the fact that the two most recent champions will be competing in the same conference.

Finally, the Western Conference’s increasing tide might act both for and against the developing tension between these two clubs. On the one hand, the West already has a number of talented teams, with several more — the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies, for example — poised to make a leap next season.

This might make it difficult for the Nuggets and Timberwolves to meet again in the playoffs.

Conversely, if Denver and Minnesota can both make their way through a crowded West to meet one other again next year, NBA fans may see sparks flare.