What was most surprising about Tuesday night time — when Minnesota took a 2-0 sequence lead towards the defending champions of their second-round sequence — wasn’t that Denver misplaced, it was that they misplaced their composure whereas doing so.
Friday night time we noticed the defending champion Nuggets we anticipated this sequence. Those with delight. Those seemingly unbothered by strain. Defensively Denver was locked in, on offense the ball was popping and transferring, and Jamal Murray scored 24 factors and confirmed no indicators of the harm that slowed him within the first two video games of the sequence.
The consequence was a 117-90 Denver blowout win in Minnesota that was by no means actually doubtful after the center of the second quarter, taking just a little shine off the Timberwolves “group of future” aura. Minnesota nonetheless leads the sequence 2-1 with Recreation 4 Sunday in Minnesota.
“I favored the actual fact they punched tonight, we did not punch again,” Anthony Edwards stated within the Minnesota locker room. “That is the factor, that is enjoyable, you like to compete. It should be very aggressive Sunday, we’re gonna be right here for it.”
It wasn’t very aggressive Friday night time.
Denver did an excellent job popping out with the desperation wanted in a must-win recreation. Minnesota followers booed Jamal Murray each time he touched the ball, and he responded like a champion.
“It actually simply type of makes you higher as a result of it’s important to reply,” Murray stated, by way of the Related Press. “It simply makes it’s important to lock in and be there to your teammates.”
The whole lot with Denver begins with newly minted three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who had 24 factors, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists. Denver additionally acquired a giant recreation from Michael Porter Jr., who scored 21 factors.
Nevertheless, what mattered most was the ball and participant actions that the championship Nuggets are recognized for. Defensive Participant of the 12 months Rudy Gobert returned from the delivery of his little one however was basically a non-factor due to how nicely Denver moved the ball and stored him off stability.
Edwards completed with 19 factors to steer the Wolves, whereas Karl-Anthony Cities added 14.
The Timberwolves performed like champions by their first six playoff video games this season — however actual champions know the way to answer adversity. Denver did that.
Can Minnesota reply on Sunday?
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