Initial thoughts from the Nuggets’ loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday.
Naz Reid took over in the fourth: Timberwolves forward Naz Reid was named this season’s Sixth Man of the Year for a reason. But how many walked into Ball Arena on Saturday expecting Reid to turn into an All-Star in the fourth? He took his game to another level when it mattered most, scoring 14 points in the game’s final 12 minutes. Reid had a stretch where he scored 10 straight, including a pair of 3-pointers and a putback dunk, to give the Timberwolves a 94-88 lead. Somehow, Karl-Anthony Towns getting into foul trouble worked out for Minnesota.
This series is shaping up to be a classic: The Nuggets’ DJ set the tone pregame by playing Kendrick Lamar’s “Euphoria” and Drake’s “Push Ups,” as the performance from both teams replicated the punchy lyrics from the iconic rap artists. This series between Minnesota and Denver will be a war. After the Nuggets overcame a double-digit deficit in the first, both teams were locked in a back-and-forth contest. Neither one was able to create a ton of separation. Justin Holiday buried an outside shot to give Denver a three-point lead in the third, only for Anthony Edwards to score four unanswered points to put Minnesota back on top. Both teams delivered punch after punch until Minnesota ultimately came out on top. Nuggets vs. Timberwolves might not sound like the prettiest matchup for casual fans. But Game 1 was a clear indication that this series could be one of the best in the postseason.
Murray’s inconsistent night: Nuggets guard Jamal Murray had his moments in the fourth quarter. But overall, he was inconsistent — again. Murray had seven points on 3-for-9 shooting through three quarters. And he went into halftime scoreless on five shot attempts. Denver was able to overcome Murray’s inconsistencies in the first round against Los Angeles. The Timberwolves, however, are a different beast. If the Nuggets want to beat the Timberwolves and advance to the Western Conference Finals, they will need a strong scoring performance from Murray.
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Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets prepares to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves before the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)