NBA: The Timberwolves’ “wolfpack-like” Defense Propels them 2-0 in semis
DENVER, CO -- Was it the lockdown defense? Was it the dynamic duo of Karl Anthony-Towns and Anthony Edwards, each scoring 27 points? Was it the on-the-road determination? Whatever it was, the Nuggets lost 106-80 in Game 2 of the second-round series to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The loss propels the Timberwolves to 2-0 in the series. Meanwhile, the Nuggets recorded the fewest points they've scored in any game this season, only tallying 80 points, despite Rudy Gobert’s absence.
Bri's Take: It was the lockdown defense!
Minnesota has held Denver to under 100 points in both games. This is just the second time all year that Denver has lost two home games in a row, regular season and postseason included. It was evident as the low-scoring game revealed the Nuggets struggled to combat Minnesota's masterclass defense. Their performance is one for the books and a huge bravo moment for the Wolves as they showcase why they undoubtedly encompass the best defense in the league.
Between their swift rotations, aggression, hustle, and quick hands, they were invincible. Throughout this series, we are watching some of the best fundamental basketball on both sides of the court. Minnesota coach Chris Finch describes their game style as their identity.
"It's been our identity all year," said coach Chris Finch as his team ranks number one in defense for that very reason.
Photo Credit: @NBA via Instagram
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone was not impressed.
"We got embarrassed in front of our fans," Michael Malone told the press.
Let’s keep in mind that the Timberwolves still haven't lost in these playoffs.
It's not easy to stop the Nuggets' big man, Nikola Jokić, also known as "Joker.” However, the Timberwolves managed to do it with ease last night, holding him to only 16 points. If they continue to play like this, Minnesota's defense could become historic and be remembered as one of the best in recent NBA memory.
Bri's Hot Take: Timberwolves Already Won the Series
The Timberwolves are showing consistency by sweeping the Suns in the first round and collecting two wins against the defending champions, the Nuggets, in Denver. This level of energy on the road is impressive, and it's scary to think about what they can do when they play at home. To say it's surprising to see the defending champions fall behind in the Western Conference semifinals after losing both games in Denver is an understatement. As the Wolves head back home and prepare for game 3, their stance in this series emphasizes the complete control they currently have.
In my previous Live Take, I highlighted the series' physicality and how it might be the most physical one to date. However, the Nuggets were not able to live up to expectations. Even Michael Malone, the Nuggets coach, admitted to the press that his team failed to match the Timberwolves' level of physicality.
"We played in late-clock situations all night long," said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. "We didn't meet their level of physicality."
Should Denver throw in the towel and buy first-class tickets to Cancun? Or is it too soon to call it quits?
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