The first six minutes are balanced between two teams who go blow for blow. Nevertheless, thanks to a Jamal Murray, already author of 7 points, the Nuggets are in the lead (15-12). Mike Malone’s men take advantage of Wolves’ mistakes, and pick up the pace. On a dunk signed Jeff Green, the locals take a nine-point lead (26-17). At the end of the first quarter, Denver leads 31-22.
Minnesota is behind on all balls. Opposite, the Colorado players are in total control, and soar to the score by taking a fifteen-point lead (37-22).
The demonstration turns into a lesson from Nikola Jokic’s teammates, who completely dominate Wolves on both sides of the pitch. The gap rises to +21 in favor of the Nuggets (53-32). Minnesota however ends the quarter on a positive note, and reduces the gap to fifteen points at halftime (64-49).
Back from the locker room, the Wolves show a much better face, and come back below the ten point gap (70-62). Denver is completely out of its match, and the “momentum” is shifting to Minnesota. Chris Finch’s men tighten the bolts in defense, and sanction in counter-attack to come back to only one point (70-69). On interception from Kyle Anderson, the Wolves even pass in front of the score (81-80). At the start of the 4th quarter, Rudy Gobert’s teammates lead 89-87.
Under the leadership of Michael Porter Jr, the Nuggets start the last act with an 8-0, and regain the advantage (95-89). Thanks to a sublime fadeaway signed Anthony Edwards, Minnesota returns to the front (99-98). Five minutes from the end, Denver has a three-point lead (104-101). On a huge 3-point basket, Jamal Murray gives the Nuggets an eight-point lead (111-103). The latter will put the lid on the match, and the Nuggets are needed 122-113.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Denver assumes its status. Best team in the West on the regular season, the Nuggets meet expectations for the moment. After a first meeting mastered from start to finish, Game 2 took the same direction as the previous one. But now, Mike Malone’s men let their opponent come back by conceding a 14-0 during the 3rd quarter. Finally, they were able to count on a huge Jamal Murray, author of 40 points, to secure the victory.
– Minnesota woke up too late. Led by 21 points during the second quarter, Wolves managed to restart the match thanks to a very good quality 3rd Quarter won 40-23. Nevertheless, it is very difficult to win a game when you only play half time, even with an exceptional Anthony Edwards. Denver finally regained control in the final quarter.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Jamal Murray. We find the player we saw during the 2020 playoffs. He carried his team to success with 40 points at 13/22 in shooting including 6/10 from 3-pointers.
✅ Nikola Jokic. As usual, and despite the intense physical fight against him by Wolves, he was in the oven and in the mill by achieving a complete game, punishing all the errors and defensive delays of his opponents. He finished on the verge of a triple-double with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists.
✅ Anthony Edwards. It was just huge, but it wasn’t enough. He finished with 41 points at 14/23 shooting including 6/10 from 3-pointers!
⛔️ Karl Anthony Towns. Embarrassed by the many contacts, he never really got into his game with a 3/12 shot. And he had his usual foul problems…
THE FOLLOWING
Game 3 in Minnesota, Friday night to Saturday (3:30 a.m.).
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D= defensive rebound; T = Total Bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
