Timberwolves Lock Up Defending Champ Nuggets

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 04: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives against Reggie Jackson #7 of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter during Game One of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 04, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo : (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images))

The NBA Champion Denver Nuggets are on the ropes!

Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves took a commanding 2-0 lead against the Denver Nuggets Monday night. This leaves the Nuggets looking helpless against the T-Wolves, as they search for answers to save their season. 

Now with the series heading back to Minneapolis, here is how the Timberwolves snatched the rug from under Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. 

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Minnesota Defense is Legit 

The Timberwolves have been leaning on their defense so far this postseason, and it has paid off. 

Through two games, the Wolves have managed to smother the Nuggets with their defensive versatility.

"It's been our identity all year," said Minnesota head coach Chris Finch.

Their wings in Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have made it hard for Jamal Murray to find his shot throughout the series. Holding Murary to only 8 points on 3-18 shooting from the field against the Timberwolves in Game 2.

Jokic wasn't his usual self, scoring only 16 points throughout Game 2 and struggling with the Timberwolves' size and length. 

Furthermore, Minnesota held the Nuggets to just 35 points in the first and a season-low 80 points for the entire game, Denver shooting an abysmal 34.9% from the field. 

And the Timberwolves did it without their Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert.

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Karl-Anthony Towns as Wolves' Tone-Setter

Karl-Anthony Towns has been huge for the Timberwolves during this NBA Playoffs round two series thus far. 

Towns chipped in with 20 points in Game 1 and he set the tone for the T-Wolves in Game 2, coming up big with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks to win the game.

So far throughout the postseason KAT has been excellent at filling in the scoring void, finding his shot, and overall place in the Wolves' offense. 

When drafted to Minnesota, many pegged Karl-Anthony Towns as the franchise savior, hoping someday to guide the Timberwolves to an NBA Championship.

Now, KAT is the co-star behind Anthony Edwards, who has erupted as a superstar this season. Towns has found his place as the team's second option in Minnesota and has been the perfect B to Ant Edwards.  

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Ant-Man Superstar Ascension  

The Denver Nuggets don't have an answer for Anthony Edwards.

Edwards has torched the Nuggets throughout the series. Whether it's backing down Kentavious Caldwell-Pope easily or even bigger players like Aaron Gordon. With no luck for Denver, it has seemed as if Edwards can score seamlessly on anyone they throw at him.

Anthony Edwards has been one of the best players throughout this year's NBA Playoffs, showing it night in and night out.

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