In the NBA playoffs, this game is undoubtedly a pinnacle matchup. As the defending champions, the Nuggets were completely crushed by the Timberwolves in this crucial battle, and were finally left behind by a tragic score of 70-115, which was undoubtedly a heavy blow.
In this game, the Nuggets' performance can be described as disappointing. From being passive by the Timberwolves in the first quarter with a 20-0 crazy attack wave, to trailing by 19 points in the first half, the whole process all reflects the helplessness and confusion of the Nuggets team at this time.
In particular, the performance of Murray, the core player of the team, is even more staggering. In the first half, he only scored 10 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists on 1-of-10 shooting, which is enough to show how sluggish his state is at this time. It's hard to believe that the Nuggets superstar is completely dumb at such a critical moment.
And for the Timberwolves, the win is undoubtedly a huge boost. Not only did they beat the defending champions, the Nuggets, but they also proved that they are capable of challenging for the championship this season.
From the explosiveness on the offensive end, to the tight organization on the defensive end, to the fear of danger at critical moments, everything the Timberwolves players showed in this game fully proved that they have the quality to win the championship.
As a young team, the Timberwolves' development journey has indeed not been smooth. But it was in these tribulations that they continued to grow and grow, and finally ushered in the bloom they are today. This victory has undoubtedly given the team a new confidence and motivation, and they have proven themselves capable of winning the championship this season.
When those thrilling offensive waves came one after another, when the fans cheered one after another, when everyone went crazy, I couldn't help but think of the classic line: "This is the NBA!"
This is indeed the NBA, the pinnacle stage of the basketball world, always showing the best basketball style. And this Timberwolves team is undoubtedly the well-deserved protagonist on this stage. Let's look forward to their surprise again in the next battles and witness the birth of this legend!
Back in this game, at the beginning of the first quarter, the Nuggets clearly found their groove first, playing a 9-2 lead. But soon, the Timberwolves adjusted their form, and Edwards led the team to a stunning 20-0 comeback wave that completely turned the tide of the situation. This scene undoubtedly stunned everyone present.
As a defending champion team, it's unbelievable that the Nuggets would be so easily stunned by their opponents at such a critical moment. But that's the way it is, and when that crazy offensive wave swept in, the Nuggets players were clearly a little helpless and completely unable to deal with it.
What's even more shocking is that even in the second quarter, when the Nuggets gradually recovered the point difference, the Timberwolves were able to quickly adjust their state and regain the advantage. This ability to maintain a high level of concentration in key moments is undoubtedly the most important trait that a top team should have.
And Murray, the leader of the Nuggets, performed even more incredible in this key battle. As the team's superstar, he only made one shot in the first half and scored only 2 points, and this kind of dumb performance was undoubtedly fatal to the team.
We have to admit that the humiliation suffered by the Nuggets in this game was indeed somewhat unexpected. As the defending champions, they should have shown more strength and momentum, but the opposite happened.
What exactly caused the Nuggets to collapse in this crucial battle? Let's dive into the analysis together and try to find out.
First, we need to look at the Nuggets' overall performance in this game. Statistically, Jokic had 22 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists, but apart from him, the rest of the team's main players played quite poorly. Especially Murray, a bench player, performed even more disastrously.
Such data is completely unsatisfactory. As the defending champions, the Nuggets' core players should burst out even better at such critical moments. But this is not the case, which undoubtedly exposes serious problems with the overall strength and form of this team.
Second, we have to talk about the Nuggets' tactical imbalance. From a 9-2 deficit in the opening game to a 20-0 and 13-0 offensive wave in succession, it is clear that the Nuggets have a serious problem dealing with their opponents' offense.
As the defending champions, the Nuggets' coaching staff should have thoroughly studied and prepared for all kinds of tactical changes. But the truth is that at the critical moment, they can't adjust in time for the players to find a way to cope. This kind of coaching staff mistake is undoubtedly an important reason for the collapse of the Nuggets.
Third, we have to focus on the lack of mental outlook for the Nuggets. From being stunned by the opponent at the beginning to never being able to find a smooth rhythm in the follow-up, the Nuggets felt a little frustrated and lacked the fighting spirit and determination they should have.
As the defending champions, the Nuggets players should show a strong mental quality and determination to win when it matters most. But in this game, they showed a kind of helplessness and confusion, which was undoubtedly an important reason for their collapse.
Finally, we have to mention the Nuggets' imbalance in the rotation. Statistically, with the exception of Jokic, the performance of the other players is hardly satisfactory. In particular, the performance of the two bench players, Murray and Holiday was even worse.
For the Nuggets, this loss is undoubtedly a heavy lesson. They will have to learn from the lessons of this game and adjust their form as soon as possible to turn things around in the next campaign.
And for the Timberwolves, this victory is undoubtedly a huge encouragement. Not only did they succeed in beating the defending champions, but they also proved that they are capable of challenging for the championship this season.
From the explosiveness on the offensive end, to the tight organization on the defensive end, to the fear of danger at critical moments, everything the Timberwolves players showed in this game fully proved that they have the quality to win the championship.
As a young team, the Timberwolves' development journey has indeed not been smooth. But it was in these tribulations that they continued to grow and grow, and finally ushered in the bloom they are today. This victory has undoubtedly given the team a new confidence and motivation, and they have proven themselves capable of winning the championship this season.
The performance of this Timberwolves team has undoubtedly gone beyond the scope of a semi-final matchup, and they have shown enough strength and momentum to rival any championship favorite.
When those thrilling offensive waves came one after another, when the fans cheered one after another, when everyone went crazy, I couldn't help but think of the classic line: "This is the NBA!"
This is indeed the NBA, the pinnacle stage of the basketball world, always showing the best basketball style. And this Timberwolves team is undoubtedly the well-deserved protagonist on this stage. Let's look forward to their surprise again in the next battles and witness the birth of this legend!