This duel between the Nuggets and the Wolves looked like a regular season Western final. While the two teams were tied before the match, the winner took a big option on first place.
However, while Anthony Edwards did not hide the importance of the duel before the meeting, Nikola Jokic assured for his part that he did not think it was a “such a big match”. A speech beforehand which still contrasted with the attitude and aggressiveness of the pivot during the meeting…
Opposed to Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid or even Kyle Anderson, the MVP of the last Finals thus combined 41 points at 16/20 shooting, constantly pressing inside, to go with his 11 rebounds and his 7 assists.
An MVP performance, at a decisive moment, when he again made the difference in the last quarter.
“It’s not just him (Rudy Gobert)” he reacted. “There is Naz Reid, and if they are missing KAT (Karl-Anthony Towns), they also have Kyle Anderson and a real collective plan. That's why we have a little trouble against them and why it's always interesting. We can see the tactical fight, the best will win the match, and we won tonight. »
However, as usual, Nikola Jokic put the importance of this success into perspective in front of the press.
“It’s important but the West is so, so, so difficult. We can play the first round against the Warriors, the Lakers or the Kings and they are all very good teams. It's important, but the main thing is to play your best basketball when the playoffs start.” he concluded.
