On May 13, Beijing time, the NBA playoffs Western Conference semifinals ushered in a fierce battle, the Nuggets challenged the Timberwolves on the road, and finally successfully counterattacked 115-107, bringing the total score of the series to a 2-2 draw. It was a match that not only showcased the strength and resilience of both teams, but also showed us how well the players played when it mattered most.
For the Nuggets, Jokic was undoubtedly the MVP of the game, with an astonishing 35 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals, dominating the game across the board. Jamal Murray also found his form, contributing 19 points and eight assists. Gordon's 27 points and seven rebounds were also a big part of it. The Timberwolves' Edwards set a new career playoff scoring high, scoring 44 points, showing superhuman scoring ability. However, his teammates Downs and Gobert were relatively lackluster, with Downs shooting just 5-of-18, which obviously put a lot of pressure on the team.
Once the game began, the Timberwolves quickly took the lead with excellent defense and offense. However, the Nuggets did not panic because of this, and they relied on the consistent play of Jokic and Murray to gradually close the point gap. Especially in the second quarter, the Nuggets played a wave of climaxes and successfully overtook the score. The performance in this quarter was a testament to the Nuggets' resilience and teamwork.
Heading into the second half, the Timberwolves tried to catch up with the score with outside shooting. However, the Nuggets were very tight defensively, and they didn't give the Timberwolves too many chances. In particular, Jokic's scoring and defense in key moments left the Timberwolves with nothing to do. Although Edwards played well in the third quarter, the Timberwolves were unable to turn the game around.
In my opinion, this game fully demonstrates the intensity and unpredictability of the NBA playoffs. Both the Nuggets and the Timberwolves have shown a very high level of competition, with players from both sides giving their best on the court. However, at critical moments, the Nuggets managed to win with more consistent play and excellent teamwork. This also shows us the strength and heritage of the defending champions.
For the next games, I think the Nuggets need to continue to play consistently and work well as a team. At the same time, they also need to pay more attention to the offensive and defensive characteristics of the opponent and make targeted adjustments. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, need to learn from this game, strengthen their communication and coordination skills within the team, and improve their overall competitive level. I believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, the next game will be more exciting and intense.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that Edwards set a new career playoff scoring high in this game, slashing 44 points, which is an impressive result. However, some fans pointed out that "Huazi" needs a right-hand man, especially when Downs and Gobert are mediocre, and the team needs other players to step up and share the pressure and provide necessary support.