Playoff Game Preview #6: Wolves at Nuggets

The two colossal titans of the NBA met each other toe to toe as each tried to assert their dominance. Minnesota's feverish tenacity defensively continually forced Denver to earn every inch. As the fourth quarter progressed, the Nuggets fatigue became their downfall. Unable to keep Anthony Edwards at bay, the awe-inspiring superstar erupted for 43 on 58.6% shooting. Naz Reid obliterated all resistance in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 points in the quarter as the Timberwolves took command of the game.

Timberwolves: 106

Denver: 99

The Timberwolves have a 1-0 series lead.

Before the playoffs began, pundits expressed doubt in the 56-26 Wolves. Dropping the final regular season game to Phoenix Suns, most experts across the basketball media channels neglect to award their stamp of approval for Minnesota. Drawing the very team that had beaten them a few days prior, few thought the talented Suns would make short work of the immature Timberwolves whose best defender couldn't stay on the court in the playoffs.

Talk about a miss.

The Timberwolves' dismantling of the Suns radiated the Edwards' glow to basketball fans across the world. Instead of acknowledging how dangerous of a threat the entire Wolves basketball team roster had become, the narrative was fixated on the team who'd been incinerated. In an abrupt change of heart, Phoenix was no longer the quality of opponent they once were thought to be. It left a hungry pack of Wolves only one option to capture the full attention of the NBA, to beat the Nuggets in Denver.

So get your head on a swivel NBA, this Timberwolves team has mortalized Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets. It's a statement win to steal a game in Denver, but the job is not done. That now makes five consecutive focused, business-like mentality approach from this Timberwolves squad. The growth in maturity from Edwards, Karl Anthony-Towns, and Jaden McDaniels has shot the Timberwolves' baseline into the stratosphere. Always seemingly within striking distance thanks to their consistently destructive defense, the Timberwolves' wealth of depth and selfless offense has continued to deliver a flawless playoff record.

This is an incredibly rewarding win over the Nuggets, so celebrate it. Now, it's time to turn the page and lock in for Game 2. The Timberwolves need to continue their persistent energy and poise. This team's maturity will continue to be tested, and their focus must never wane from the challenge at hand. Let's dive into how the Timberwolves can land a body blow and go up 2-0 in the series.

Game Info

• Who: #3 Minnesota Timberwolves (5-0) vs. #2 Denver Nuggets (4-2)
• When: Monday, May 6th at 9:00 PM CT
• Where: Ball Arena — Denver, CO
• National TV: TNT (Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Jamal Crawford and Allie LaForce)
• Radio: KFAN FM 100.3, Wolves App
• Line: Wolves +5.5 | Total: 206 (courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
• Jerseys: Wolves (Association), Nuggets (Statement)

Injury Report

Updated as of Monday, May 4 at 7:40 PM CT

Minnesota

OUT

• Rudy Gobert (personal reasons)

Gobert's partner is expecting their first child and she is due this month.

"I would do anything I can to be there," Gobert told @NBASarah in March. "I don't think there's any debate to have. Coach Finch and every guy in this locker room, that's what I love about them, we have a… https://t.co/X08k39IpZ1

— Jack Borman (@jrborman13) May 6, 2024

Denver

QUESTIONABLE

• Jamal Murray (left calf strain)

What to Watch For

How will the Jokić and the Nuggets Respond?

The Nuggets are the gold standard of team play and the ability to generate high-quality shots. The Timberwolves are an incredibly challenging team to decipher on the defensive end. Harboring a fleet of defenders with exceptional length and size, the Wolves can rotate multiple defenders on opposing stars to keep them from settling in on a matchup. Between Jokić and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets possess boundless levels of basketball IQ. The two will continue to probe Minnesota's defenses and test for weak spots. Lethal sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. stalks the perimeter. With a knack for timing, the lengthy wing doesn't need much space to get a quality shot off.

Jokić worked to his limit in Game 1 and the Nuggets need to find a way to get more offense outside of their two-time MVP. Denver is at their best when the ball is flowing and finding multiple players in a quality position to attack, shoot, or pass. The Timberwolves successfully stalled promising attacks with their ability to stay in position to maximize their length, forcing the Nuggets into stickier actions and late shot-clock situations.

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Denver's starting five were all a collective negative on the box score. Murray has struggled to impact the game to his typical standard. The Nuggets star, best known for his knack for making tough shots in key moments, has been working through a nagging left calf strain. Going 6-14 from the field and a lowly -22 for the game, Murray clearly lacked his normal explosion and as a result struggled to navigate the Timberwolves' defense. His health is paramount to the Nuggets ' aspirations of defending their crown. Murray's ability to probe and warp a defense creates open shots or attacking opportunities for his teammates. His struggles reverberate through the lineup and disrupt the Nuggets' offensive flow.

Expect Denver to show Minnesota a few new offensive sets. If they can find some weaker spots in the Timberwolves defense, the entire floor should open up more.

Is Edwards approaching Jokić's level?

Since Edwards arrived in Minnesota, he has continued to ascend to the heights of greatness. Along the way, he's dragged this Timberwolves franchise right out of the mud and up onto a pedestal. Pulverizing the Suns in the first round with 31 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, marquee influencers in the basketball world began to sign the rising phenom's praises. Some go as far as comparing Edwards to the legendary Michael Jordan.

Is it real? You damn right! This MJ comparison ain't a punchline, fly by night, none of that…

The next on that that throne is none other than Anthony Edwards aka AntMan! #BelieveThat pic.twitter.com/VEX34EP64C

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 3, 2024

Some would say this was all getting to be a bit much, and the Edwards hype train was reaching too far. It becomes hard to deny the idea when Ant continues to deliver breathtaking performances. Edwards' blistering game 1 performance overwhelmed the defending champions. In a game featuring the best player in the world in Jokić, it was Edwards who commanded the spotlight and was clearly the strongest force on the floor. The thought that Edwards could match Jokić was a prospect hopeful in nature but in game one Edwards sparked hope that he indeed continues to rise to the moment.

It goes beyond the 43 points scored in Game 1. As Edwards emerges as one of the premier shotmakers in the NBA, his defense equally continues to level up.

Edwards is playing confident, tenacious, and mature basketball. Taking what the game gives him and punishing opportunistic matchups while playing soul-crushing defends, Edwards sets the tone for his team. Ant is forcing his way into the conversation of being one of the best basketball players in the world, and it's a development that could propel the Wolves into beating the defending champion Nuggets.

Michael Malone today on Anthony Edwards' 43 points in Game 1: "He's going to get his."

"If you allow Conley and Towns and Naz Reid to have the impact they had in the 2nd half, that's going to make it really problematic."

"I'm worried more about the other guys." pic.twitter.com/bBlaOAJKKc

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) May 5, 2024

Now, the 22-year-old superstar needs to continue to play smart basketball. Denver does not have a bevy of options to throw at him defensively so continue to stay aggressive and attack. Expect Edwards to be in attack mode early and often. If Denver counters by moving Gordon off Towns and up on Ant, then it's up to Towns to capitalize on his favorable matchup. Punish that decision, and make Denver be forced to live with Edwards.

Keys to Victory

• KAT staying out of foul trouble
• Continued pressure on Murray
• Force Denver's starters into heavy minutes
• Force Jokić to be a scorer

Towns has struggled with foul trouble in four of five playoff games this year. When on the court, KAT has positively impacted the game with reliable defense and efficient, under-control offense. His 11 third-quarter points stabilized the game for the Wolves as the defense continued to wear down the Nuggets. The defense needs to stay locked in. Ensure Murray doesn't get anything easy, and contest every shot. Murray is clearly less than 100% healthy, so persistent pressure and rotating defensive bodies should keep Murray from settling into the game.

The Timberwolves did a fantastic job forcing Denver to work on both offense and defense. Minnesota's defense routinely disrupted Denver's primary actions and forced them into tough shots or secondary actions. The Wolves out-rebounded the Nuggets 42-34, while the bench scored 23 to Denver's 15. The physicality was palpable, and the Wolves were prepared to answer. Most importantly, the Timberwolves need to continue to force Jokić to be a scorer and take away passing lanes. Denver is at their best when the soon-to-be three-time MVP can pull the strings, so ensure there are no strings to pull.

The Timberwolves have landed the first blow. If we didn't before, we have their full attention now. Expect desperation from Denver to hit back and capture a game before heading to Minneapolis. On the contrary, the Timberwolves have an opportunity to establish a commanding 2-0 lead on the defending champions before heading home to play in from of the roaring Target Center. We know what this team is capable of, it's up to them to continue to find consistency every night, with or without Rudy Gobert.