The series between the Nuggets and the Timberwolves will not end anytime soon, even if the Timberwolves have a 2-0 lead in the first two games, and they have achieved such a record on the road. In fact, the league also understands that it cannot end the series so quickly and let the defending champions be completely passive. So everyone knows the third game, and the Nuggets showed more flowering, and the opening was a big fire to collect juice. The result of the game speaks for itself, the Nuggets got 1 win, so the overall score came to 1-2. For the Nuggets, this game is crucial, and it will determine the direction of the series. 69 + 22 + 15 + 7 three points, 3 starters are crazy, who is the king of the Timberwolves' hind legs? The answer is in the data.
If you want to say that the key to the Nuggets winning, it is the courage of the starters. In fact, the Nuggets' routine in this year's playoffs is to pull the intensity of the starters, and if someone pulls the crotch in the starter, then the game will not be saved. Murray regained his crosshairs in this game, at least not as inefficient as before. 24 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 three-pointers, one of the team's winning heroes. In addition, let's not forget Porter Jr., 21 points, 1 assist, 4 rebounds and 4 three-pointers, playing the style of the first round. In fact, for the Nuggets to win, Porter Jr. must throw in an unreasonable three-pointer. As for Jokic's side, the guy is also easy and chic, with 24 points, 9 assists, 14 rebounds and 1 three-pointer. These three starters were completely crazy, and they combined to score 69 points, 22 rebounds, 15 assists and 7 three-pointers, which also made the Timberwolves difficult to handle.
However, we must also clearly recognize that the shortcomings of the defending champions, this game still exists, that is, the bench is too poor. In fact, Malone is close to the seven-man rotation, which is a great drain on the starters. Fortunately, it was a big victory, and the main team rested early. For the entire series, the Nuggets can't compete with the Timberwolves for bench depth. Of the Nuggets' 117 points, 94 were starters. On the other hand, after the Nuggets, they will face a counter-adjustment from the Timberwolves. So, the Nuggets can't be fooled by a big win. The next game will still be difficult, and it will be up to each other. It's also impossible to shoot 14-of-29 from the field every game, shooting 48.3 percent from three-point range, and 53.8 percent overall.
In this game alone, who is the Timberwolves holding back? That is, what about the king of hind legs? The answer is in the data. Why in the data? Anyone who has watched the game knows that the performance of the G3 Timberwolves is consistent with the data. Downs was limited in this game, only 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, and all statistics were one level behind. Edwards had 19 points, six rebounds and five assists, but made 0 free throws. Keep in mind that in the first two games, Edwards made 6 and 7 free throws, respectively. When the duo can't play, it's impossible for role players to do it. Therefore, the Timberwolves are very passive, and the team has not raised its head, so naturally it will not be able to make it 3-0.
Overall, this game is not the true level of the Timberwolves, and the Nuggets have dug to the extreme. The next fourth game will be the turning point of the series, and whoever wins will take the initiative without any doubt. Of course, with the talent of the managers of both sides, they will still have to fight their wits and courage in the future, and there will be changes in the team. From the Timberwolves' point of view, they can't afford to lose two games in a row at home. As for the next result, everyone will wait and see.