The defending champions showed unusual determination and tactical adjustments in Game 3, and in the face of a strong challenge from the Timberwolves, Nuggets head coach Malone adopted a series of bold tactical changes that were heavily influenced by Thibodeau's tactical philosophy.
By increasing the playing time of their main players, as well as making strategic adjustments on the defensive end, the Nuggets managed to get the win in this crucial game. - The starting five Tigers all played more than 30 minutes, and the two cores were used more than Edwards, who played the most time for the Timberwolves, with Murray at 37 minutes and 49 seconds and Jokic at 38 minutes and 5 seconds.
Ma Long was probably cornered, so he let go without reservation: "Let go of your big hand!" Otherwise, you won't have to fight! ”
Murray didn't have a good run in the first two games, scoring just 25 points on 9-of-32 shooting. However, in G3, Murray scored more points in a single game than the previous two games combined on 11-of-21 shooting. His resurgence not only provided the Nuggets with much-needed firepower, but also greatly boosted the team's morale. Murray's outstanding performance, combined with Jokic's consistent play, has brought the Nuggets back to dual-core driven mode.
When the team's fundamentals remain normal and the role players make some three-pointers, won't the defending champions recover? Porter was 4-of-5 from three-point range, Gordon was 3-of-4 from three-point range, Holiday was 2-of-3 from three-point range, Braun was 1-of-2 from three-point range; As a result, the Timberwolves will no longer be able to wrap up Murray or Jokic with impunity, and the team's offense is completely alive.
The Nuggets' adjustment on the defensive end was particularly crucial, choosing to empty the non-space point in the bottom corner of the weak side and pinch Edwards, a strong point that could not be matched; I'd rather empty some outside threes than limit the Timberwolves' scoring in the restricted area. This strategy effectively stifled Edwards' scoring and reduced his scoring average from 35 points per game to less than 20 points per game. In fact, not only Edwards, but also Reed and Towns' ball-handling impact will also be trapped, and the Nuggets protect the restricted area well.
Despite the challenges the Timberwolves face in this game, their tactics are still a threat. Conley and Edwards' pick-and-roll coordination, as well as Huazi's one-on-one ability, have put a lot of pressure on the Nuggets. However, the Nuggets managed to limit the Timberwolves' scoring efficiency by attacking early and working together on the defensive end. The strategies of both sides are similar, abandoning the defense of the space point and opting to attack the strong point of the attack, the only difference is that the Nuggets' role players feel online, while the Timberwolves' role players cannot shoot three-pointers.
In G3, the Nuggets' execution was at its peak. Not only are they excellent on the defensive end, but they are just as efficient on the offensive end. The hot hand of Murray and Holiday and the determined shots of Gordon, Porter Jr. and Pope all built the Nuggets lead. The Nuggets' three-point shooting percentage also improved significantly in this game, which was key to their victory in G3. Malone's defensive strategy changed the Timberwolves' personnel strategy, and McDaniels, who had a poor three-point shot, only played less than 22 minutes, thus freeing up Murray's offense, which is the success of the Nuggets' defensive strategy.
And in the G4 of the series, the Timberwolves will definitely usher in a counterattack, and once McDaniels' hand returns, then it will be a headache for the Nuggets. After all, Gordons can't always be so accurate, and the Timberwolves have not shown a fighting posture in G3, probably expecting that this game will be difficult to win, so they simply play a dozen strategically; If they can play, they will give up if they don't feel and keep enough energy to prepare for G4, that is the game they should and must win.
So far, in your opinion, does the Nuggets' performance in G3 bode well for their bounce back in the series? What does Murray's resurgence in form mean for the Nuggets? Can the Nuggets continue to be so hot in G4? You are welcome to share your views and insights.