2024-05-13 05:01:46
Everything has to be done again. The Minnesota Timberwolves – who started the series very strong by suffocating Denver in the first two games in Colorado – are no longer able to muzzle the Nikola Jokic-Jamal Murray duo. During the night from Sunday to Monday, they saw the Nuggets return to 2-2 after a game 4 (115-107) controlled by the reigning champion.
“We never thought it would be a quick series”, Wolves coach Chris Finch conceded after the game. And for good reason: Denver suffocated his team, trailing by 15 points at halftime (64-49) and unable to rally despite Anthony Edwards’ 44 points (16/25 shooting).
Jokic has a lot to do with that. Author of 16 of his 35 points in the final quarter, the MVP of the regular season (7 rebounds, 7 assists and 15/26 shooting in this game) killed the tension after letting Murray shine in the third, and the Canadian scored 12 of his points. 19 points in this part of the game. “Match 2 (lost at home) really woke us up”explains the latter.
The Nuggets’ big first half of the game, with a run of 26-4 over the first and second quarters, especially benefited from the rest on the bench, at the time, of Rudy Gobert. Because the best defender of the year – who can regret a gesture of exasperation after an arbitration decision, which already cost him a fine of $100,000 in March – still managed to grab 14 rebounds on the night (including 9 defensive ones).
Aaron Gordon completes the Jokic-Murray duo
“Our team has been tested over time and learned to solve every problem that comes our way”explained Nuggets coach Mike Malone.
Aaron Gordon’s score should have freed Denver’s two stars as well. With 27 points (7 rebounds, 6 assists and 11/12 shooting), the Californian impressed his coach: “Taking shots, the playmaking, the physical intensity, the defense on two All-Stars, so much is being asked of him right now. The cool thing about him is that since the first day he put on the Nuggets jersey, it’s always been the Nuggets first. He is genuinely altruistic. »
When Gordon was asked about this trait at a press conference, he responded by pointing to Jokic, who arrived at his side: “I learned it from him. If a three-time MVP player can do it, so can I. »
Game 5, back in Denver, will take place Tuesday through Wednesday night.
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