Three reasons why the Nuggets should be worried about the Timberwolves series, Edwards toppled Durant, but can he beat Jokic?
The Minnesota Timberwolves proved themselves to be worthy contenders in the 2024 NBA playoffs, finishing with a sweep in the first round against the Phoenix Suns.
Although the Denver Nuggets came out strong against the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 4-1, they were close for most of the game. Minnesota, on the other hand, dominated most of their games, further proving their threat.
Now the Nuggets and Timberwolves are ready to face each other in the semifinals, however, Denver's title defense could be at higher risk. Considering Minnesota comfortably toppled three superstars – Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant – the defending champions will face a rollercoaster ride.
With that said, let's look at some of the reasons why the Nuggets should be worried about the Timberwolves.
1. Anthony Edwards' fiery performance
Since his rookie season with the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards has proven himself to be a future star in the NBA. Now in his fourth season, Edwards is leading his team with ease.
In the opening round against the Suns, Edwards stepped up to show the basketball world that his time had come. He averaged 31 points, eight rebounds, 6.2 assists and two steals in four games. Although other star players Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert helped share the offensive burden, Edwards took on the task of becoming the team's leader.
Edwards is likely to feel good about himself after beating future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, and with all that momentum around him, his fiery performance could carry over into their series against the Nuggets.
To be honest, Edwards can crush Durant now, no kidding.
2. The Timberwolves have two other big men who can stop Nikola Jokic
One major factor for the Denver Nuggets to look out for is the Minnesota Timberwolves' big man, and with the exception of Jamal Murray, who played well against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Purple and Gold will have a hard time blocking Nikola Jokic.
However, Jokic could struggle against his opponents Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Downs.
Jokic is a one-of-a-kind big man in the league who is a center who can play point guard and fill most of the gaps. Given his circumstances, the team found it difficult to shut down Jokic. The Serbian giant is also a triple-double machine, making him an even tougher opponent to play against.
However, it's worth pointing out that the Lakers were able to beat the Nuggets in the 2020 NBA playoffs in part because they have a large number of big men. With that in mind, the Timberwolves face a similar situation. If Gobert and Towns manage to block Jokic, then Denver could be in trouble.
One thing to say, Jokic's first-round promotion this time was a bit of a fluke, and if the Lakers had a complete roster, the result might not have been the same.
3. The Nuggets and the Timberwolves can be said to be of equal strength
Based on the first-round matches, both the Nuggets and the Timberwolves proved themselves to be well-rounded teams. What makes these two teams versatile is that they can rely on just about anyone on the bench, and role players can step up with star players.
Denver has Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter and Kentavius Caldwell-Pope to rely on without Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray on the sidelines, and as for Minnesota, in addition to their three stars, they have Jaden McDaniels, Mike Conley and Nicor Alexander-Walker.
Having said all that, the series between the Nuggets and the Timberwolves seems to be a fascinating game. While many believe Denver will defend its title this season, Minnesota has proven itself to be a worthy opponent with the potential to topple the title.
In the final analysis, the series between the Nuggets and the Timberwolves can be said to be a narrow victory over the Lakers VS crushing the Suns, and Jokic was lucky to cross James in the first round, and this time he was not so lucky.