On May 15, Beijing time, the NBA playoffs Western Conference semifinals continued to be hot, and today the Nuggets returned to their home court to welcome the challenge of the Timberwolves, after the two sides tied 2-2 in the series, so this battle of Tianwang Mountain is crucial.
At the beginning of the game, the two teams quickly entered the state, played very fiercely, and the score was alternately leading, but the Nuggets Jokic scored 12 points in a single quarter to help the team lead the Timberwolves by 2 points in the first quarter, and at the beginning of the second quarter, the two teams still played inseparable, until the end of the Nuggets did not gain a slight advantage, and at halftime, the Nuggets led the Timberwolves by 6 points at 50-44.
At the beginning of the second half, the Timberwolves began to counterattack, Towns and Edwards scored seven points in a row to help the Timberwolves overtake, but Nuggets coach Zhuge Malone was better, after timely adjustments, the Nuggets immediately responded, especially Jokic, who hit 16 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists in a single quarter, and collapsed the Timberwolves in one fell swoop.
Eight facts that have to be admitted
1. The real MVP, Jokic's super performance today, facing Gobert, the best defensive player, directly beat Gobert in embarrassment, shooting 15 of 22, 2 of 3 three-pointers, 8 of 9 free throws, contributing 40 points, 7 rebounds and 13 assists.
2. Gobert really tried his best today, playing 40 minutes, shooting 7 of 7, 4 of 7 free throws, and getting 18 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks! Under Gobert's defense, Mr. Yoo scored fairy balls, and Mr. Yoo was powerful, and Gobert's single defense was no problem.
3. Gordon played efficiently today, playing 34 minutes, shooting 7 of 14, 0 of 1 three-pointers, 4 of 4 free throws, and got 18 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal.
4. Pope is on the outside today. In 38 minutes, he shot 6 of 8, 4 of 5 three-pointers, scored 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal, and the two three-pointers in the third quarter on the offensive end were a critical blow to the confidence of the Timberwolves, and on the defensive end, in addition to defending Edwards, there was also a misplaced defense against Towns, which worked very well.
5. Murray's performance today is average, playing 41 minutes, shooting 7 of 14, 2 of 2 free throws, scoring 16 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists and 1 steal, although the data looks average, the last two or three minutes directly kill the suspense, worthy of a big heart player, the more critical the moment, the tougher the play.
6. Edwards was caught by a double today, resulting in a general 44-minute play, shooting 5-of-15, 1-of-5 three-pointers, and 7-of-8 free throws, with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 9 assists. Facts have proved that after this game, Edwards' ability to handle the ball in the face of the bag still needs to be improved and strengthened, and he should ask for advice and learn from the excellent bag breaking seniors, which is also the only way to grow.
7. Downs played efficiently today, playing 37 minutes, shooting 10 of 19, 2 of 5 three-pointers, 1 of 2 free throws, and scored 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.
8. Timberwolves player Alexander Walker is doing well. Playing 39 minutes, shooting 5-of-12, 4-of-8 three-pointers, and getting 14 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks, to be honest, I played really well today, and many key shots responded to Walker.