The Denver Nuggets faced a formidable challenge in the semifinal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with action-packed games culminating in a thrilling showdown.
Despite holding a 20-point lead early on, the Nuggets found themselves unable to fend off the resilient T’Wolves, who nullified the impact of key players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
Former NFL star turned analyst Keyshawn Johnson, speaking on “Undisputed,” highlighted Denver’s role players’ failure to step up, pointing out the team’s heavy reliance on Jokic and Murray for scoring.
Nikola Jokic Gives Timberwolves’ “Better Team” Credit
In Sunday’s decisive game, the lack of team contribution from the Nuggets became glaringly evident as Jokic and Murray’s impressive individual performances were not supplemented by double-digit scoring from their teammates. The Timberwolves capitalized on this vulnerability, staging a comeback to secure a 98-90 victory and clinch the series.
Acknowledging the Timberwolves’ superiority, Jokic conceded, “The better team won.” Despite falling short of their championship aspirations, Jokic’s exceptional individual performance throughout the series earned him recognition as the 2024 MVP, providing a silver lining amidst the Nuggets’ disappointment.