On May 17, the NBA playoffs continued with the Timberwolves taking on the Nuggets. After the start, the Timberwolves obviously changed, and they came up to suppress the Nuggets, leading 31-14 in the first quarter. The Timberwolves maintained their momentum in the second quarter, leading the Nuggets 59-40 at halftime.
Starting line-ups for both teams
Timberwolves: McDaniels, Towns, Gobert, Conley, Edwards.
Nuggets: Porter, Gordon, Jokic, Pope, Murray.
The Timberwolves did not change the lineup for this game, and the team had a good offense and defense after the start. The core of the Timberwolves' offense is, of course, Edwards, who came up with firepower and scored 14 points in a single quarter. Edwards has three-pointers and fouls, which are key to the Timberwolves' opening the score. Edwards was limited in the last game, and it seems that there is an adjustment in this game, and he is expected to score high points. If Edwards continues to perform, then it will not be difficult for the Timberwolves to drag into a tie-break.
Downs used to give fans the impression of being on the soft side, but today this one was okay. Downs did not rush to attack, but slowly entered the state, scoring 4 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in a single quarter, with a well-rounded performance and a plus/minus that was the highest on the team. Previously, Towns fell into the defensive trap of the Nuggets, and as long as he hit the inside, he would be fouled, or surrounded by multiple people.
Gobert was also criticized a lot in the semifinals this time, and as a DPOY, he was crazy about Jokic. Today was different, Gobert was solid, contributing 4 points and 7 rebounds in a single quarter. Jokic scored in the first quarter, but his efficiency was mediocre. If Gobert can limit Jokic's play, then the Timberwolves will win half the game. Towns and Gobert held on to the rebound, which was also crucial.
Where the Timberwolves are worried is the bench lineup, with Walker and Lee Kyle being mediocre in efficiency. If the Timberwolves want to win, they need the play of the bench players, otherwise the main team will be tired to death. The Timberwolves still had their momentum in the second quarter, which was a very good sign.
Half-time statistics for both teams
Timberwolves: McDaniels 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks, Edwards 19 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals, Towns 6 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists, Gobert 4 points and 9 rebounds, Conley 7 points and 2 assists, Reed 6 points and 9 rebounds, Lee Kyle 4 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
Nuggets: Jokic 16 points and 5 rebounds, Gordon 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks, Porter 8 points and 4 rebounds, Pope 6 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists, Murray 2 points and 3 assists.