The second-round playoff series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets has been a tale of twists and turns. It all started when the Wolves stole the first two home games from the Nuggets. Then the Nuggets turned the tide and won three consecutive games to put the Wolves on the brink of elimination.
With their backs against the wall, in enemy territory, the Wolves had to answer an unanswerable call, and they did just that. The phone rang, and the ferocious pack of Wolves answered, and through consistent offense and stellar defense, they forced a game seven by demolishing the Nuggets by forty-five points.
Minnesota Timberwolves Defense Is Their Best Offense
The Timberwolves are known for their defense, and that is what played a major factor in their ability to demolish the Nuggets in game six. They had a total of 4 blocks. Anthony Edwards had a whopping 3 out of 9 of the Wolves’ total steals. What’s more, they kept the Nuggets’ shooting percentage at 30% and out-rebounded them by 19 rebounds.
The Wolves defense not only kept the Nuggets from scoring, but it also helped on the offensive end of the court. For example, the Wolves had 19 points from turnovers and 18 fast break points. While turnovers and fast breaks don’t account for all of the Wolves’ points, it does help them a lot. For example, it provides them with a sense of comfort on the offensive end. When the Minnesota Timberwolves get points, they don’t feel as much pressure to score and force bad shots. With an offensive edge, they have the breathing room to create a natural offensive flow.
Nuggets Shooting Struggles
While the Minnesota Timberwolves can be credited for their defense, it is still important to consider the Nuggets’ own contribution to their difficult loss. It all started in the first quarter when the Nuggets failed to get an offensive rhythm going in the midst of the intense defense by the Wolves. The first quarter ended with the Wolves up by 17 points.
Following the wake of a 17-point deficit in the first quarter, the Nuggets’ shooting continued on a downward spiral as they continued to force difficult shots in a desperate attempt to cut the lead and escape the Wolves’ constant pressure.
Jamal Murray shot for .222 percent from the field. Michael Porter shot .333 from the field. Nickola Jokic shot a 0/4 from 3pt range.
Ultimately, the Denver Nuggets shooting struggles in game six came from the Wolves’ constant pressure, a sense of ease from the lack of being on the brink of elimination, and being down by nearly double digits at the end of the first quarter.
Minnesota Timberwolves Vs Denver Nuggets Game 7
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Nuggets will now face off in Minnesota next Sunday. Game 7 is what NBA fan’s live for. There are a lot of predictions and anticipation as to how this story will end, but in the end we will have to grab our popcorn and watch for ourselves.
The only thing that can be said for sure is that both the Timberwolves and Nuggets will fight tooth and nail in the face of elimination. The Timberwolves have showed in game six that they can step up and win. At the same time the Nuggets showed the same grit when they stole two home games from the T-Wolves after losing two consecutive games. Stay tuned to find out how this epic series ends.
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Hunter is a lifelong sports fan. His main interests are in professional tennis and NBA basketball, he is a fan of almost every sport. He is a creative/technical writer who also tutors people in English.
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