Minnesota's intense defense and sharp shooting overwhelm Denver, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead.
On May 7, 2024, the Minnesota Timberwolves executed a nearly flawless game plan against the defending champion Denver Nuggets, leading to a decisive 106-80 victory in the second game of their playoff series. Despite the absence of Rudy Gobert, the Timberwolves intensified their defensive strategy, which effectively stifled the Nuggets, leaving them struggling to find their rhythm and trailing by 26 points at halftime.
The Timberwolves' defense pressured the Nuggets into a poor shooting performance, holding them to just 32.6% from the field and 4 of 14 from beyond the arc. Jamal Murray, Denver's key point guard, was particularly targeted and limited to making only 1 of 10 shots, scoring a mere 2 points. Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. also faced tremendous challenges; Jokic managed only 8 points and 7 assists, while Porter Jr. struggled to find shooting opportunities. Aaron Gordon was the only Nuggets player who performed relatively well, scoring 15 points, but it was insufficient to impact the game significantly.
On the offensive front, Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with a combined 36 points on an efficient 14-of-20 shooting, outscoring the entire Nuggets team in the first half. Supporting their effort, Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added significant firepower from the perimeter, sinking 5 of 8 three-point attempts, which further dismantled the Nuggets' defense.
This performance tied the record for the largest halftime lead on the road against the defending champions, matching the Cleveland Cavaliers' 59-33 lead against the Chicago Bulls in the 1992 Eastern Conference Championship's Game 2. Observers and former players noted the strategic brilliance behind the Timberwolves' approach. Isaiah Thomas commented on the team's composition, noting, "Tim Connelly formed this Gray Wolves to defeat the Nuggets! They were both offensive and defensive. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a team beat the Nuggets."
Charles Barkley, a Hall of Famer, lauded the Timberwolves' defense, stating, "The numbers don't lie. Even without Gobert, they're one of the best defensive teams I've ever seen."
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2024/05/07, picture citation source Associated Press