In a stunning upset, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 106-99 victory over the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets. While Anthony Edwards led the charge in the first half, it was the combined efforts of Karl-Anthony Towns, Naz Reid, and Mike Conley that sealed the win in the second half.
Former player-turned-analyst Kenny Smith lauded the Timberwolves’ defensive play, particularly highlighting the pressure exerted by Rudy Gobert, Towns, and Reid on Nikola Jokic.
During the discussion on NBA On TNT, Smith praised the trio for forcing Jokic into unfamiliar territory, remarking, “Those three guys sped The Joker up for the first time that I’ve ever seen, ever in basketball.”
Renowned big man Dirk Nowitzki echoed Smith’s sentiments, acknowledging the challenge posed by Minnesota’s imposing defense.
Dirk Nowitzki Provides Assessment of Timberwolves’ Defense Against Nikola Jokic
Nowitzki, filling in for Shaquille O’Neal on the analyst panel, observed how the Timberwolves effectively stifled Jokic’s offensive prowess. “It’s almost like he[Jokic] was trying to do a little too much,” Nowitzki remarked, emphasizing the defensive depth of the Timberwolves.
Despite Jokic’s commendable performance with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, the Nuggets faltered under the relentless defensive pressure from Minnesota.
Jokic humorously acknowledged the challenge posed by the Timberwolves’ defensive trio, jokingly suggesting he might need a clone to navigate their close attentions.
As the series progresses, the Nuggets face the daunting task of countering Minnesota’s defensive dominance in Game 2. With adjustments needed on both sides, Monday’s game promises to be another intense battle as both teams vie for supremacy in the playoffs.
