-
Follow Us
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The second-round series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets has been truly mesmerizing. The Wolves trounced the Nuggets in the first two games proving home-court advantage meant nothing. Denver then came to Minnesota and stole the two games back. After a dominant Game 5 from Nikola Jokic, the Timberwolves’ backs were up against the wall with the season on the line going into Game 6.
However, Chris Finch and the Timberwolves’ coaching staff made a few key adjustments to save their season. Minnesota beat down on the Nuggets early and often managed to extend the series to a win or go home Game 7. Let’s evaluate the Timberwolves’ pivotal adjustments and how they found advantages against the reigning champs in Game 6.
Timberwolves throw a figurative wrench at Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic is a three-time league MVP for a reason. One of the most talented players to ever step on a basketball court, his touch and playmaking set him apart from any seven-footer to play before him.
In the first five games of this series, the Wolves have pressed up into the Joker in an attempt to make him uncomfortable. While that worked to start the series, it’s clear Denver found ways to attack around that style of defense. In Game 6, Minnesota flipped the script.
The Wolves sagged off of Jokic on the perimeter whether he had the ball or not. Even though Denver’s center is historically a respectable three-point shooter, he has struggled this series. He was just 6/21 (28.5%) from deep coming into Game 6. With his devastating touch around the rim, Minnesota lived with Jokic shooting the trey ball. The MVP shot 0-4 from deep on Thursday night.
With Jokic oftentimes looking to get others involved, Minnesota’s less aggressive defense protected other areas of the floor too. The Timberwolves’ bigs were in better position to help on handoffs and against cuts limiting the value of Joker’s passing a bit. With timely rotations and multiple efforts, the Wolves’ defense returned to its suffocating ways.
Timberwolves finally utilize Rudy Gobert
A huge problem for the Timberwolves’ offense this series has been the under-utilization of their center. Rudy Gobert is one of the best screen and roll big men in the association. His sheer size and vertical presence around the rim makes him a foul-drawing machine and a great lob threat.
Minnesota finally made an effort on Thursday night to make Gobert a focal point. The first possession of the game was a beautiful misdirection play to ultimately set up a Karl-Anthony Towns and Gobert 4-5 screen. The result was a tremendous lob jam, making use of Minnesota’s size advantage.
Even on possessions where Gobert doesn’t score or get fouled, his presence flattens out the defense and forces the Nuggets to shrink on the weak side of the floor. A direct correlative is the increase in 3-point production.
Jaden McDaniels corner 3, great ball-movement pic.twitter.com/jGNNDmdNym
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) May 17, 2024
With Denver forced to respect the Wolves’ rolling big man, the Wolves got up a greater number of three-point looks. In the first five games, Minnesota averaged just 29.4 3-point attempts per game. In Game 6, the Timberwolves shot a total of [ 3PA ] threes, their most in a game all series.
Anthony Edwards is special
Outside of the Timberwolves’ adjustments, one thing is clear. Anthony Edwards is here to stay. On multiple occasions in this series, Ant-Man continues to validate his claim to superstardom. Edwards is the player this fan base has been waiting for since the departure of Kevin Garnett.
Edwards on the night poured in 27 points to go along with four boards and four assists. The two-way guard recorded three steals on the night as well en route to an unimaginable +43 plus-minus. Edwards is filling shoes that former foundational pieces never could. The best player on a team making deep playoff pushes. The Wolves now look for an upset win in Denver for what will be an all-time classic Game 7.
More must-reads:
- Kings make huge decision on head coach Mike Brown
- Timberwolves boycotted TNT in support of criticized bigs
- The 'Most three-pointers made in the playoffs' quiz
Breaking News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
