Minnesota's formidable defense and efficient scoring overpower Denver, highlighting their playoff prowess in a commanding Game 2 victory.
On May 7, 2024, the Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a striking performance against the Denver Nuggets in the second game of their series, overcoming the absence of key player Rudy Gobert and securing a dominant 26-point lead by halftime. This performance further solidified their defensive reputation as one of the NBA's most formidable teams.
The Timberwolves' defense stifled the Nuggets' offense, holding them to a mere 32.6% shooting from the field and 4 out of 14 from beyond the arc. Jamal Murray, the Nuggets' leading point guard, was particularly targeted, managing only 1 of 10 shots for a total of 2 points. Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. also struggled under the intense defensive pressure, with Jokic scoring only 8 points with 7 assists and Porter Jr. finding little room to maneuver.
Conversely, the offensive efforts of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns were nothing short of spectacular, combining for 36 points on an efficient 14-of-20 shooting. Their performance not only surpassed the Nuggets' total first-half score but also set the pace for the game. Support from Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who collectively made 5 of 8 three-pointers, compounded the Nuggets' defensive woes, disrupting their rhythm and contributing to the significant lead.
This historic first-half performance matched the record for the largest half-time lead on the road against the defending champions, a record previously set by the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Chicago Bulls in 1992. The Timberwolves' ability to maintain such a high level of play without Gobert impressed many, including NBA legends. Isaiah Thomas remarked on the strategic formation of the team by Timberwolves' President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly, suggesting that the team was specifically built to counter the Nuggets. Charles Barkley also praised the team, 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