Trailing 0-2, after two losses at home, the Nuggets were not ahead a week ago. Some consultants had even already buried them while the Wolves seemed to be heading towards a conference final. And then, the NBA champions found their basketball by finding answers to the opposing defense, and here they are who remain on three victories in a row with Nikola Jokic who justifies his 3rd MVP trophy.
What happened for the Nuggets to regain their momentum and confidence? As is often the case, it was a meeting between players that helped spark something. Or rather a meal, at the initiative of Deandre Jordan. It was he who had already asked Mike Malone to share this compilation of criticisms issued by renowned consultants when Wolves were leading 2-0.
“We just watched Game 4 between the Knicks and the Pacers,” remembers Reggie Jacksonabout this dinner in a Minneapolis restaurant. “A few had a glass of wine. We talked simply and frankly, and the conversation was funny and pleasant. Everyone was relaxed. Everyone stopped being so uptight about the need to win or be perfect. I think we were worrying too much about everything. It was just good for us to be together and finally breathe. We needed to be together. We knew what we had to do and we knew we had something to accomplish. But it was time between matches to take a breath, relax and talk about life. This was really helpful. »
Relaxed, the Nuggets found their basketball
A meal that Aaron Gordon missed, for some unknown reason, but as the team has three victories in a row, the power forward is, out of superstition, no longer welcome at collective meals!
“Sorry buddy, see you in the next round!” We’ll bring you some takeaway.” Deandre Jordan said to his teammate after the victory in the 5th round.
More seriously, the strong winger has raised his level of play since the series passed through Minneapolis since he averages 19.7 points over the last three matches. Already decisive against the Lakers, the former Magic dunker is the symbol of this squad which has found dynamism and relaxation.
“Before Game 3, we were tense, and from the start” confirms Reggie Jackson. “We were happy to have managed the series well against the Lakers, but we hadn't played our best basketball. You could see there was too much tension. Before Game 1 against the Wolves, we said to ourselves that we had to win, but we were not at all ourselves. In Game 2, we get spanked, and it was the same.”
