The Timberwolves have been underestimated as a playoff contender, but their evolution has become clear. This isn’t the first time they’ve exceeded expectations: in the first round against the Phoenix Suns, they swept the series despite being the higher seed but still considered the underdog. The Suns, loaded with world-class talent, were expected to make a deep run but couldn’t find an answer to the Timberwolves’ cohesive play.
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In Game 1 of this series, Denver seemed unprepared for the Timberwolves’ intensity. For Game 2, many anticipated the Nuggets would adjust, especially considering the importance of avoiding a 0-2 deficit on their home court. However, the Timberwolves wasted no time asserting their dominance, winning the first quarter by eight points and utterly dismantling the Nuggets 33-15 in the second. By halftime, the Timberwolves had a comfortable lead, confidently demonstrating they were the superior team.
What was most impressive wasn’t just Minnesota’s stifling defense but how quickly they set the pace from the opening tip-off. They could have aimed to just stay close in the first quarter, but instead, they crushed the Nuggets early, proving they weren’t going to let up.
Even without Rudy Gobert, Minnesota’s defensive effort was stellar. Their relentless pressure left Denver scrambling, and by the end of the game, it was clear that the Timberwolves were playing on another level. Denver now faces an uphill battle, but with Gobert’s return possible, Minnesota’s confidence will only grow as they head home. The Nuggets will need to regroup quickly if they hope to challenge the surging Timberwolves and get back into this series.
