Both teams were coming into this Game 7 knowing exactly what the other team was going to do. This has been a great series between the Timberwolves and Nuggets but it was going to come down to who wanted it more.
The 1st quarter both teams were feeling each other out as it was going back and forth. Jamal Murray came out hot as he was able to get the Nuggets offense going along with the way he was playing. Murray was making the Timberwolves pay as he was able to get inside to the rim and was making some tough shots on the perimeter. Nikola Jokic was able to dominate the rebounds in the paint and help create for Jamal Murray. When the Nuggets got up by 20 points in the game the Nuggets let the Timberwolves back in but it wasn’t on purpose. The Wolves came out with that defensive intensity and they showed up big time. Both Murray and Jokic combined for 69 of the 90 points for Denver tonight.
The job that Karl Anthony Towns did on Nikola Jokic this game was masterful and it should be noted that he brought it on the offensive end too. KAT made some huge buckets as he was able to help carry the load while Anthony Edwards wasn’t able to establish a rhythm yet in the game. Also Jaden McDaniels showed up big time helping out on both ends too. Tonight KAT and Jaden McDaniels combined for 46 of the 98 points which was special to watch.
When the Timberwolves got down big they leaned on their defense and they were able to showcase that grit they played with all season long. Minnesota had the Champions reeling when they started to make some runs. It was Naz Reid who came in when KAT got in trouble and set the tone on both ends of the floor with defense on Jokic and putbacks/drives to the bucket. Naz Reid finished with 11 points but they were huge and it showed why he’s the 6th Man of the Year.
Anthony Edwards didn’t have it going all game but had some huge moments in the game like his steal for the dunk from Jamal Murray and his big 3 pointers to give the Wolves the 10 point lead late. Anthony Edwards will be ready for the Western Conference finals and bounce back. The Timberwolves shut down Jamal Murray in the 2nd half and that helped them propel to the win in Denver.
The Western Conference Finals start on Wednesday as the Timberwolves will be hosting the Dallas Mavericks.
Photo Credit: RON CHENOY/USA TODAY SPORTS/REUTERS
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