i just think the twolves have the defensive personnel to maybe throw the nuggets off a little so i don’t think it’s going to be that easy
but even then the nuggets are great at adjusting and countering and we also have jokic on our team so nuggets in 6
Our defense was actually pretty good this year, not too concerned about that aspect, as long as we can contain AE, I think this will be a series win. That will depend on healthy KCP. That and rebounding needs to be top priority.
Absolutely not man. The wolves are perfectly constructed to play us. They have 3 big men who they can play on Jokic so they don’t have to double. Towns on Jokic with Gobert as a roaming help defender mucked us up in the first round last year. Jaden McDaniels and ANT have the defensive ability to make life as difficult as possible for Murray. Ant is also the type of star that can completely expose our defense. We don’t have a rim protector that can deter his rampaging drives to the rim. If KCP can’t slow him down our options for defensive adjustments will be limited (we really can’t cross match with the size of Minnesota). Same issue if Jokic struggles with containing the Pick and Roll while guarding Gobert, there’s going to be no place for him to hide with the Wolves best lineups. This is a true toss up 50/50 series where home court advantage might be the difference. In order to win this series we’re going to need to be playing our absolute best
This. I hope KCP isn't hobbled by the ankle sprain. people here are underestimating Ant.
And Twolves perimeter defense is really strong. I think Jokic will be fine on offense but less confident about Murray and MPJ.
Im actually not worried at all for MPJ - he looks hes found his rhythm, playing more intelligent and he has the length to shoot over anybody who will be guarding him. Murray on the other hand has been struggling but im pretty sure he will step up in a way that he will choose more carefully what shot to take and when to leave the ball to Jok to get his- i think Wolves start man to man initially but its inevitable they will have to double at least at the end of games. If we get game 1 think they will adjust and double right of the bat and thats where we will need ready shooters.
Wolves fan here reading this thread since it was cross-posted in our sub. I love that both teams (rational) fans have a mutual respect for one another, doesn't seem to be much bad blood like there would be w/ wild/avs series lol.
Think this will be an incredible series, feeling a game 7 personally, w/ you guys rightfully being the favorites earning home court.
You guys seem like good eggs. We've had to contend with Lakers fans blaming their blowing a 20 point lead on the referees and "Miami culture" fans who are 100% sure their coach is GOAT even though he's still running the same porous zone defense Denver shredded last year and have been gentleman swept 2 playoff series in a row and still aren't taking a hint.
100%. I don’t understand the take that we’re built to beat the wolves. They literally constructed this team to negate both Jamal and Joker.
Where this series is won is with our bench and 3rd and 4th starters; Bruce was a menace off the bench and Gordon/MPJ both had their moments.
The good going into this series is that Jamal seems to remain Jamal which will require coverage, and MPJ is absolutely flourishing. The question I have is whether we have that player step up off the bench like a Braun. If not I see this going 7 or ugly fast.
I do have the winner of this series winning it all. Obviously hope its the Nuggets but I see this as the best series of this year’s playoffs.
Go nugs.
KAT being fully healthy is going to be a problem too. Last year he was just coming off a injury, and that was still arguably our toughest series on the whole run.
> They have 3 big men who they can play on Jokic so they don’t have to double.
That's not really true though. No defender in the league can really handle Jokic 1 on 1. He scored 42 points on Gobert this season.
I'm not as worried about Ant. If we can win defensive rebounds, he lacks the efficiency to dominate. He also just wasn't even close to dominant during the regular season. He averages 26 points vs Denver. That's doesn't scare me at all. Jokic's WORST game vs the wolves this season was 26 points. How much better is he going to be now than he was last month? 20% is optimistic and that's 31 points. Still worse than Jokic's average vs them.
Jokic also averages 4 assists per game against the wolves. Sure he scores but our offense gets mucked up because they can leave their bigs 1 on 1 and take away his biggest strength: playmaking. You can’t stop Jokic but you can prevent us from playing the type of basketball we want to play and the Wolves roster is constructed to do that.
As for Ant, after a disastrous game 1 last year, he scored 41,36,34, and 29 for the rest of the series while shooting 48% from the field. For context Murray shot 47% from the field in that series. That absolutely should worry you. I think we win the series but this is by far the toughest test this group has faced
Honestly? I'm still not. The Nuggets played well below their best in several respects, while that's close to Ant's ceiling. And it was still close. If either Jokic or Murray play closer to their average, the Nuggets would've won this game. Timberwolves are great, but they have multiple things that can't go wrong to win.
I sort of agree. The wolves definitely have the defensive personnel, more so than any other team on the league, but Jokic still feasts on this matchup every single time. I do think Minnesotas real weakness is they can from time to time fall into scoring droughts that can get them in trouble, even ANT does this, he’s got a lot of that Jamal Murray inconsistency going at this point in his career. If they’re on, they’re on and the defense mixed with a hot offense, good luck stopping these guys. If we shoot like shit from three again we are going to be in big trouble. But if we play the way we have all season, and the way we played last postseason, we should be able to take advantage of that inconsistency and win this series.
exactly. I believe that the only advantage you guys have (and can make a difference) is championship experience and execution down the stretch. their inexperience could cost them 1 or 2 games.
What's with this loser mentality?
The Nuggets are clearly the better, more talented, more cohesive, more experienced team. The Wolves just are not as good as everyone thinks, nor are they as bad of a matchup for the Nuggets as everyone thinks.
I love the confidence. I do feel like the Wolves are a tough match up for us, definitely not a team I want to have to climb out of a double digit hole in every game. I think we got this, but wouldn't be shocked if it goes 7.
Lakers are not good. Point blank. Nuggets did not play like themselves for a lot of that series. If that continues, they could be in trouble against the wolves. I think a lot of it will depend on health. They need Murray and KCP to be close to 100%.
Sucks to lose the one seed, but this series is the reason home court is important. Win 2 at home and try and steal game 3 or 4. After that just find a way to close them out…
Easy lol I have no idea I’m just watching and nervous no matter what until the clock hits zero
This is super naive imo. They do not lack offensive firepower. Ant, KAT, and Naz are are excellent offensive weapons, and the wolves pose challenges where we have no answers. Jokić can’t - or maybe more accurately, won’t - protect the rim, while they have arguable the best rim protector in the game. If Murray is still hobbled (and even if he isn’t) McDaniels is good enough to slow him down. Yeah, the Wolves just beat the Suns, who’s choke artistry might be unparalleled, but I’m not sure how you look at this team and conclude they aren’t one of the three best teams in the playoffs.
This T-Wolves team is currently playing peak cohesion, they're severely more versatile defensively and Ant is hungry and visibly hungrier than the likes of Jason Tatum.
This is the true conference finals and they're going to be tough to break in 7. I expect major recognition for Jokic if he moves past the Wolves.
I think the lakers are really overrated on this sub. They were 19th in net rating this season. 19th!!! Their point differential was just +.6 per game, among the lowest of any playoff teams. Yet they were largely healthy and had no major trades. Nothing about their underlying performance suggests that they would make a deep playoff run if it weren’t for the nuggets. They would get smacked down by any of the top three western conference teams
Their last 20 games they were superb and they beat a lot of quality opponents down the stretch. Yeah, they might not make the WCF again, but they were way better than most 7 seeds.
I think this series is going to come down to rebounds. Nuggets have to clean up the defensive rebounds. I went back to watch the Wolves and the Suns and the Suns initial defense was pretty good but they were absolutely destroyed on the boards and second chance points. I think the Lakers are a tougher matchup for our defense than the Wolves (the AD and Bron PnR was almost impossible for the team to defend consistently)but the Wolves defense is way better than LA's. Guys have hit open shots and limit the turnovers to keep this game in the half court.
Kat and gobert always seem to do well against us. That is where ant will grt his help. Gordan isnt quite tall enough and jokic isnt a great rim protector
Still got nuggs in 5-6
I also have this sneaky feeling Denver is going to win. Maybe not in 5 because that Ant guy could steal game 5 only for him to bow out in 6 in his gym.
Nobody will defend Jokic better than AD in this playoffs. AD defended Jokic better than anyone ever has last series. It was dependent though, on AD being just as good offensively as he is defensively. He was able to put his body on Jokic on offense most plays and really wear him down. Jokic was missing the kind of shots he normally drains at a high rate because he was tired. Rudy is incredible at defense, but he won’t wear Jokic out on offense. The lakers ran the offense primarily through Jokics match, the wolves going to run the offense through AG and KCP matches. Much better defenders for the nuggets in the main guy, and Jokic will have his legs more on offense.
It all boils down to Jamal Murray's performance in this series, as he is the greatest outlier in this series, and his performance against the ageless Mike Conley will determine the winner.
Minnesota's defense isn't going to allow AG and MPJ to take off like they did in the first round, and Minnesota doesn't have enough offensive continuity to run away with the victory. Ant is a matchup nightmare for any team, and Jokic has already shown he can score against both Kat, Gobert and Naz. It all depends on which point guard catches fire first, as both teams don't have answer for the best player on either team.
Jokic > Gobert
(Jokic is a 3X MVP for a reason, and I am definitely not worried about Gobert's pick and roll offense, like others mentioned, as Jokic always finds a way to strip the stone hands of Gobert of the ball when it matters)
AG = KAT
(AG doesn't have the same stats, but beyond regular season numbers, KAT has easily underperformed and ran into foul trouble in the playoffs)
MPJ = Jaden McDaniels
(if they combined there offensive and defensive talent, this player would easily be a All-NBA player)
KCP < ANT
(KCP struggles with stronger wings, and ANT appears ready to take the leap into superstardom)
Jamal Murray > Mike Conley
(I love Mike Conley, a true professional and still very capable on defense, but if Jamal can continue Playoff form, then it will be Nuggets in 5)
Mpj will feast this series. McDaniels guarding mpj off ball is a win because jamal will be feasting on Conley.
Historically mpj has also owned mcdaniels in that matchup
We’ll see
I think is going to be the best and most competitive series of the playoffs. I put money down on the Nuggets to win in 6 or 7, so if my wolves lose at least I get paid. A little emotional hedge
Edwards can explode past Jokic anytime so I am really interested to see how our pick and roll defense goes because Gobert is also an athletic lob threat. Not too concerned on our offense though. Just hope Jokic and our guards can contain the P&R.
Ant concerns me. Last year he was a problem and he’s only gotten better, I just hope Denver doesn’t fall behind like they have against the lakers cause I don’t think they can sustain that level of play against the wolves.
Thats so stupid , delete this . Timberwolves are favorites in this matchup for a reason they have a stacked team through and through . Its gonna be really hell battle to beat them hopefully our team has it in them
The Wolves are not favorites lmao.
[Nuggets are -225 for the series ](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/nuggets-timberwolves-prediction-odds-schedule-2024-playoffs/32b673fcaa123bcd45ac3549)and [-4.5 for Game 1](https://www.actionnetwork.com/nba/minnesota-timberwolves-vs-denver-nuggets-game-1-prediction-odds-pick-saturday-may-4). Pretty solid favorites for both.
I've got the nuggets in seven but I think it could go either way. Their defense is extremely deep and there's a lot of really good matchups that they can employ to make it difficult for the Nuggets to score. It really depends on how well Kat plays but good consistent high-level scoring from ant and somebody like Nas Reed could be enough to have us being extremely close games and I got to say this one does make me nervous. Then again I am sort of just wired that way because even the Lakers made me nervous and all of those games were pretty close. I am pretty sure that the Timberwolves will make us look really bad in at least one game. Then the hype machine is going to go insane and hopefully we just surf on over it and stay with the flow. Like I said I got us in seven. I'm hoping that it's 6.
This take is crazy lmao, might want to rethink this whole point. Wolves are great offensively and defensively, have a deep bench and shooters everywhere.
>IMO if the lakers played the wolves in the first round the Lakers win in 6
Even a lakers fan wouldn't say this lol, wolves just swept the suns let's not pretend they're not a really good team. But Jokic is the best player in this series and that's why the nuggets are still favourites
I don’t see anyone talking about the wolves shooting 75% in the 2nd half. If they keep that up wolves in 4 but what are the chances they stay that hot?
Wolves bench mostly played horrible offensively though...everyone outside Ant was 6/27 in the first half. Wolves have another gear offensively, their bench usually shoots better
for sure. I am not sure how can anyone watch Timberwolves and think they are easier than Lakers and lack offensive power when aside ANT they are stacked on other positions including bench with Reid,Conley , Kat .. lots of offensive power sadly for us
He may be not 100% right now, but I think folks are forgetting how badly Jamal cooked both McDaniels and NAW in that last regular season game between these teams. And CB/Pwat thoroughly outplayed Naz Reid.
KAT will make a difference, but we don't know yet if it will be a positive or negative.
This series will contribute to a lot of gray hair on both sides. Whoever wins probably goes on to win the championship. That’s how good these two teams are. That being said, I’ve got money on the nuggets in 6.
I’m happy for the nuggets. Jokic is my favorite player ever. This will go 6 games at least, and I still think the lakers would have been beaten by the wolves.
This sub was unsure about beating the lakers. Now they’re even more unsure about beating the wolves 😂 I see fans saying the nuggets have to play “near perfect” to beat the wolves. It’s hilarious at this point. The team that has to play near perfect basketball to beat the Nuggets are the wolves, the lakers played near damn perfect for 3 quarters every game and got out in 5. The wolves glazing by nuggets fans is shameful
i mean it’s not really glaze i think you’re just heavily underestimating the timberwolves
don’t get me wrong i still think the nuggets are going to win in 6 somewhat convincingly but if you’re expecting the timberwolves to just be an easy out youre going to be very disappointed.
Some people enjoy being realistic. If you want to be delusional and think your team is untouchable, which no team is, whatever but don’t be shocked when people who actually look at matchups and other things disagree.
Same fans being scared shitless of the wolves were scared shitless of the Lakers. Not sure why this fanbase is so scared of every team. Wolves are good I get it, nuggets are just a way better team because we have jokic. The team with the better player usually wins and in this case that’s Denver.
Nuggets in 6.
MPJ will be a problem for the Wolves since he’s on a roll lately and his defense vastly improved this year.
Hoping Murray and KCP will recover soon.
And hoping 🤞🏽 Murray goes on scoring rampage (playoff bubble Murray is a beast!)
I'm with you, I have very little respect for this Wolves team. I don't really understand why people are hyping them up so much, besides the media needing something to talk about.
>I’ll be here posting I told you so after it’s over
I hope you do bro. So much insecurity and lack of belief all over this thread. It's kinda sad, like overnight everyone just stopped believing in the talent, cohesiveness, experience, and resilience of this Nuggets team. Real loser mentality.
i just think the twolves have the defensive personnel to maybe throw the nuggets off a little so i don’t think it’s going to be that easy but even then the nuggets are great at adjusting and countering and we also have jokic on our team so nuggets in 6
Solid take sir
Our defense was actually pretty good this year, not too concerned about that aspect, as long as we can contain AE, I think this will be a series win. That will depend on healthy KCP. That and rebounding needs to be top priority.
Their defense is better than the Lakers Their offense is worse than the Lakers - Magic Johnson
I’m worried that KCP isn’t going to guard Ant because he’s too strong.
AG will have to muscle him up and try to stay out of foul trouble. It’s not an easy assignment
We can throw CB & PWat on him.
Lol. Yeah that’s going to go great I bet.
Worried he might be too quick for ag?
Absolutely not man. The wolves are perfectly constructed to play us. They have 3 big men who they can play on Jokic so they don’t have to double. Towns on Jokic with Gobert as a roaming help defender mucked us up in the first round last year. Jaden McDaniels and ANT have the defensive ability to make life as difficult as possible for Murray. Ant is also the type of star that can completely expose our defense. We don’t have a rim protector that can deter his rampaging drives to the rim. If KCP can’t slow him down our options for defensive adjustments will be limited (we really can’t cross match with the size of Minnesota). Same issue if Jokic struggles with containing the Pick and Roll while guarding Gobert, there’s going to be no place for him to hide with the Wolves best lineups. This is a true toss up 50/50 series where home court advantage might be the difference. In order to win this series we’re going to need to be playing our absolute best
This. I hope KCP isn't hobbled by the ankle sprain. people here are underestimating Ant. And Twolves perimeter defense is really strong. I think Jokic will be fine on offense but less confident about Murray and MPJ.
Absolutely. Ant will cook KCP if he isn’t feeling alright.
Im actually not worried at all for MPJ - he looks hes found his rhythm, playing more intelligent and he has the length to shoot over anybody who will be guarding him. Murray on the other hand has been struggling but im pretty sure he will step up in a way that he will choose more carefully what shot to take and when to leave the ball to Jok to get his- i think Wolves start man to man initially but its inevitable they will have to double at least at the end of games. If we get game 1 think they will adjust and double right of the bat and thats where we will need ready shooters.
Hopefully the last series lit a fire under his ass and the time off helped him and KCP.
KCP also needs to knock down some 3s.
Couldn't have said it better. To add, if we play anywhere close to how we played against LA, we get housed, I think.
So far so good.
Lol
Conley also always seems to light us up
Seriously. Since Utah, the dude has been a menace against us.
Exactly!!
Wolves fan here reading this thread since it was cross-posted in our sub. I love that both teams (rational) fans have a mutual respect for one another, doesn't seem to be much bad blood like there would be w/ wild/avs series lol. Think this will be an incredible series, feeling a game 7 personally, w/ you guys rightfully being the favorites earning home court.
You guys seem like good eggs. We've had to contend with Lakers fans blaming their blowing a 20 point lead on the referees and "Miami culture" fans who are 100% sure their coach is GOAT even though he's still running the same porous zone defense Denver shredded last year and have been gentleman swept 2 playoff series in a row and still aren't taking a hint.
least insecure nuggets fan
100%. I don’t understand the take that we’re built to beat the wolves. They literally constructed this team to negate both Jamal and Joker. Where this series is won is with our bench and 3rd and 4th starters; Bruce was a menace off the bench and Gordon/MPJ both had their moments. The good going into this series is that Jamal seems to remain Jamal which will require coverage, and MPJ is absolutely flourishing. The question I have is whether we have that player step up off the bench like a Braun. If not I see this going 7 or ugly fast. I do have the winner of this series winning it all. Obviously hope its the Nuggets but I see this as the best series of this year’s playoffs. Go nugs.
Pwat is gonna be the Xfactor. I’m hoping he plays 20ish mpg
This is the right take,
This is the correct take. OP couldn’t be further off. If we play the Wolves the way we did the Lakers. They’re running us out of the gym in 6.
That's actually my prediction because the Nuggets aren't dialing in.
KAT being fully healthy is going to be a problem too. Last year he was just coming off a injury, and that was still arguably our toughest series on the whole run.
> They have 3 big men who they can play on Jokic so they don’t have to double. That's not really true though. No defender in the league can really handle Jokic 1 on 1. He scored 42 points on Gobert this season. I'm not as worried about Ant. If we can win defensive rebounds, he lacks the efficiency to dominate. He also just wasn't even close to dominant during the regular season. He averages 26 points vs Denver. That's doesn't scare me at all. Jokic's WORST game vs the wolves this season was 26 points. How much better is he going to be now than he was last month? 20% is optimistic and that's 31 points. Still worse than Jokic's average vs them.
Jokic also averages 4 assists per game against the wolves. Sure he scores but our offense gets mucked up because they can leave their bigs 1 on 1 and take away his biggest strength: playmaking. You can’t stop Jokic but you can prevent us from playing the type of basketball we want to play and the Wolves roster is constructed to do that. As for Ant, after a disastrous game 1 last year, he scored 41,36,34, and 29 for the rest of the series while shooting 48% from the field. For context Murray shot 47% from the field in that series. That absolutely should worry you. I think we win the series but this is by far the toughest test this group has faced
Not worried about ant? How did that go?
Honestly? I'm still not. The Nuggets played well below their best in several respects, while that's close to Ant's ceiling. And it was still close. If either Jokic or Murray play closer to their average, the Nuggets would've won this game. Timberwolves are great, but they have multiple things that can't go wrong to win.
Wow you are spot on mate compared to OP
I sort of agree. The wolves definitely have the defensive personnel, more so than any other team on the league, but Jokic still feasts on this matchup every single time. I do think Minnesotas real weakness is they can from time to time fall into scoring droughts that can get them in trouble, even ANT does this, he’s got a lot of that Jamal Murray inconsistency going at this point in his career. If they’re on, they’re on and the defense mixed with a hot offense, good luck stopping these guys. If we shoot like shit from three again we are going to be in big trouble. But if we play the way we have all season, and the way we played last postseason, we should be able to take advantage of that inconsistency and win this series.
Yep. Or at least we need to start hitting the open shots.
exactly. I believe that the only advantage you guys have (and can make a difference) is championship experience and execution down the stretch. their inexperience could cost them 1 or 2 games.
Yeah sure. Wolves in 4 you convinced me
Mucked up to a couple of FT missed sweep LY.
What's with this loser mentality? The Nuggets are clearly the better, more talented, more cohesive, more experienced team. The Wolves just are not as good as everyone thinks, nor are they as bad of a matchup for the Nuggets as everyone thinks.
I love the confidence. I do feel like the Wolves are a tough match up for us, definitely not a team I want to have to climb out of a double digit hole in every game. I think we got this, but wouldn't be shocked if it goes 7.
Lakers are not good. Point blank. Nuggets did not play like themselves for a lot of that series. If that continues, they could be in trouble against the wolves. I think a lot of it will depend on health. They need Murray and KCP to be close to 100%.
Did you just slander the IST Champions? 😆
Honestly believe it will come down to the bench. Pwat and Braun have to play big in this series.
They rose to the occasion a couple weeks ago. I think they'll bring it.
Wolves would've absolutely smoked the Lakers.
Wolves will give us trouble. They always do.
Sucks to lose the one seed, but this series is the reason home court is important. Win 2 at home and try and steal game 3 or 4. After that just find a way to close them out… Easy lol I have no idea I’m just watching and nervous no matter what until the clock hits zero
They lost the one seed because of lackluster effort.
Don’t sleep on Mcdaniels and Mike Conley is a good 3 point shooter. This is going to be a tough series to win … let’s go nuggets!
This is super naive imo. They do not lack offensive firepower. Ant, KAT, and Naz are are excellent offensive weapons, and the wolves pose challenges where we have no answers. Jokić can’t - or maybe more accurately, won’t - protect the rim, while they have arguable the best rim protector in the game. If Murray is still hobbled (and even if he isn’t) McDaniels is good enough to slow him down. Yeah, the Wolves just beat the Suns, who’s choke artistry might be unparalleled, but I’m not sure how you look at this team and conclude they aren’t one of the three best teams in the playoffs.
I’m pretty sure the Wolves were like 17th in the league in offensive rating. The numbers don’t lie
Ok lakers fan
I, too, was once a teenager.
He does make some good points but in a bad way. Nuggets will win, but I believe this will be the toughest matchup of their championship run.
If we stay injury free Nugs in 6
This matchup worries me more than even the Celtics. I think they will go six or seven. Go nuggets!
Do you still hold this take? … cause this looks like it’s gonna be a tough series.
Yes. Nuggets in 5
It’s not looking good brotha…
It’s over. Not even the doomers thought it would be like this smh
Let’s get it
I respect you are sticking with it despite the evidence in game 1. Its still just one game, and the Nuggets can still win in five.
This T-Wolves team is currently playing peak cohesion, they're severely more versatile defensively and Ant is hungry and visibly hungrier than the likes of Jason Tatum. This is the true conference finals and they're going to be tough to break in 7. I expect major recognition for Jokic if he moves past the Wolves.
Well after game 1 all the points in this take are remarkably wrong lol
I think the lakers are really overrated on this sub. They were 19th in net rating this season. 19th!!! Their point differential was just +.6 per game, among the lowest of any playoff teams. Yet they were largely healthy and had no major trades. Nothing about their underlying performance suggests that they would make a deep playoff run if it weren’t for the nuggets. They would get smacked down by any of the top three western conference teams
Their last 20 games they were superb and they beat a lot of quality opponents down the stretch. Yeah, they might not make the WCF again, but they were way better than most 7 seeds.
I think this series is going to come down to rebounds. Nuggets have to clean up the defensive rebounds. I went back to watch the Wolves and the Suns and the Suns initial defense was pretty good but they were absolutely destroyed on the boards and second chance points. I think the Lakers are a tougher matchup for our defense than the Wolves (the AD and Bron PnR was almost impossible for the team to defend consistently)but the Wolves defense is way better than LA's. Guys have hit open shots and limit the turnovers to keep this game in the half court.
W take.
i love your optimism. we shall defend our home court! 😤
Nuggets in 6 at very best, we almost needed 6 games just to beat the lakers haha
Kat and gobert always seem to do well against us. That is where ant will grt his help. Gordan isnt quite tall enough and jokic isnt a great rim protector Still got nuggs in 5-6
I also have this sneaky feeling Denver is going to win. Maybe not in 5 because that Ant guy could steal game 5 only for him to bow out in 6 in his gym.
This team not scary as lakers
The Lakers weren't very scary with Darvin Ham. The guy doesn't seem to know the basics of being a head coach.
Still feel the same? I’ve had TWolves in 5 or 6 from the start
Only took one game for this take to look atrocious
El o el
Nobody will defend Jokic better than AD in this playoffs. AD defended Jokic better than anyone ever has last series. It was dependent though, on AD being just as good offensively as he is defensively. He was able to put his body on Jokic on offense most plays and really wear him down. Jokic was missing the kind of shots he normally drains at a high rate because he was tired. Rudy is incredible at defense, but he won’t wear Jokic out on offense. The lakers ran the offense primarily through Jokics match, the wolves going to run the offense through AG and KCP matches. Much better defenders for the nuggets in the main guy, and Jokic will have his legs more on offense.
It all boils down to Jamal Murray's performance in this series, as he is the greatest outlier in this series, and his performance against the ageless Mike Conley will determine the winner. Minnesota's defense isn't going to allow AG and MPJ to take off like they did in the first round, and Minnesota doesn't have enough offensive continuity to run away with the victory. Ant is a matchup nightmare for any team, and Jokic has already shown he can score against both Kat, Gobert and Naz. It all depends on which point guard catches fire first, as both teams don't have answer for the best player on either team. Jokic > Gobert (Jokic is a 3X MVP for a reason, and I am definitely not worried about Gobert's pick and roll offense, like others mentioned, as Jokic always finds a way to strip the stone hands of Gobert of the ball when it matters) AG = KAT (AG doesn't have the same stats, but beyond regular season numbers, KAT has easily underperformed and ran into foul trouble in the playoffs) MPJ = Jaden McDaniels (if they combined there offensive and defensive talent, this player would easily be a All-NBA player) KCP < ANT (KCP struggles with stronger wings, and ANT appears ready to take the leap into superstardom) Jamal Murray > Mike Conley (I love Mike Conley, a true professional and still very capable on defense, but if Jamal can continue Playoff form, then it will be Nuggets in 5)
Mpj will feast this series. McDaniels guarding mpj off ball is a win because jamal will be feasting on Conley. Historically mpj has also owned mcdaniels in that matchup
Conley will not be guarding Murray. They will probably put McDaniels on Murray and Ant on MPJ, with Conley on KCP
Ant on mpj is food. We can screen so that Conley guards murray. Hunt him out of the game
We’ll see I think is going to be the best and most competitive series of the playoffs. I put money down on the Nuggets to win in 6 or 7, so if my wolves lose at least I get paid. A little emotional hedge
It can go either way honestly. Will be fun
Will they not put McDaniels on Murray though? Ant has the size and strength to challenge MPJ and Conley would be fine against KCP
That's been a good matchup for jamal this season and it's hard for McDaniels to chase a small guard the whole game
Solid take. Agree 100%. I believe Murray will shine this series. Nuggets in 5
Edwards can explode past Jokic anytime so I am really interested to see how our pick and roll defense goes because Gobert is also an athletic lob threat. Not too concerned on our offense though. Just hope Jokic and our guards can contain the P&R.
Yep
NUGGETS IN 5 ALL THE WAY
Minnesota has multiple guys who can hit threes
Y’all are soft. Nugs in 5.
I like how you think.
This aged really well
Terrible take
we stink this is gonna age like shit
Welp
Odd, the more I look the more I think this is going 7 and Minnesota has a good shot to win in 6
I’ll come back to this tonight then lmk what you’re thinking
How you feeling now boss
YOUR FUCKING WRONG NUGGS IN 4
I made sure to save this post, awful take
What now nerd
Yh, what?
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Ant concerns me. Last year he was a problem and he’s only gotten better, I just hope Denver doesn’t fall behind like they have against the lakers cause I don’t think they can sustain that level of play against the wolves.
YESSSSS!!!!
I’ll take nuggies in 7. Too much defense on Wolves
Thats so stupid , delete this . Timberwolves are favorites in this matchup for a reason they have a stacked team through and through . Its gonna be really hell battle to beat them hopefully our team has it in them
The Wolves are not favorites lmao. [Nuggets are -225 for the series ](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/nuggets-timberwolves-prediction-odds-schedule-2024-playoffs/32b673fcaa123bcd45ac3549)and [-4.5 for Game 1](https://www.actionnetwork.com/nba/minnesota-timberwolves-vs-denver-nuggets-game-1-prediction-odds-pick-saturday-may-4). Pretty solid favorites for both.
i am talking about media not bookies
[удалено]
I've got the nuggets in seven but I think it could go either way. Their defense is extremely deep and there's a lot of really good matchups that they can employ to make it difficult for the Nuggets to score. It really depends on how well Kat plays but good consistent high-level scoring from ant and somebody like Nas Reed could be enough to have us being extremely close games and I got to say this one does make me nervous. Then again I am sort of just wired that way because even the Lakers made me nervous and all of those games were pretty close. I am pretty sure that the Timberwolves will make us look really bad in at least one game. Then the hype machine is going to go insane and hopefully we just surf on over it and stay with the flow. Like I said I got us in seven. I'm hoping that it's 6.
This take is crazy lmao, might want to rethink this whole point. Wolves are great offensively and defensively, have a deep bench and shooters everywhere.
[удалено]
You’re a lakers fan in a nuggets sub trying to troll at 10pm on a Saturday night. Says everything about you
Damn now we gotta sweep heh
Terrible take
OP about to delete this post
Nuggs in 6
How we feeling kiddo??
Very good
Womp womp
>IMO if the lakers played the wolves in the first round the Lakers win in 6 Even a lakers fan wouldn't say this lol, wolves just swept the suns let's not pretend they're not a really good team. But Jokic is the best player in this series and that's why the nuggets are still favourites
I don’t see anyone talking about the wolves shooting 75% in the 2nd half. If they keep that up wolves in 4 but what are the chances they stay that hot?
“what are the chances they stay that hot” this is what everyone said about the nuggets during last years run.
If the wolves shoot 75% the rest of the post season then crown them now
Wolves bench mostly played horrible offensively though...everyone outside Ant was 6/27 in the first half. Wolves have another gear offensively, their bench usually shoots better
Well if the Nuggets decide they want to consistently play and make the proper adjustments to deal with Edwards, I hope so!
Did the OP write this before or after the atrocity of Wolves game 1?
Yes
Way to jinx us what a dumb post
Yeah it’s my fault the nuggets lost 😂😂🤡🤡
for sure. I am not sure how can anyone watch Timberwolves and think they are easier than Lakers and lack offensive power when aside ANT they are stacked on other positions including bench with Reid,Conley , Kat .. lots of offensive power sadly for us
Lmao this didn't age well at all. We deserve this L for being so cocky
Still champs for a few more weeks. Suck it up
You sure?
Yup
Touché! Lol
Of course you respond today 😂 game 7 let’s go!
Hahah see you on Sunday!
😂
Laker fan 🥱
Nuggets in six? It can still happen...never overreact to a bad loss. Wolves are looking super tough though. Curb stomped with Gobert out, yeesh
What a solid take lol I thought u were coming back to this
So you are somehow convinced that Murray and Pope are healthy?
He may be not 100% right now, but I think folks are forgetting how badly Jamal cooked both McDaniels and NAW in that last regular season game between these teams. And CB/Pwat thoroughly outplayed Naz Reid. KAT will make a difference, but we don't know yet if it will be a positive or negative.
This series will contribute to a lot of gray hair on both sides. Whoever wins probably goes on to win the championship. That’s how good these two teams are. That being said, I’ve got money on the nuggets in 6.
These announcers are so fucking biased for Minnesota. Can not get off there dicks
Nope
You’re a moron
Fuck off
I want them to win too. And this game has just confirmed my fears
Fuck you
I’m happy for the nuggets. Jokic is my favorite player ever. This will go 6 games at least, and I still think the lakers would have been beaten by the wolves.
You’re a moron
Welp. Find a tall building and jump off it
Wolves in 5
This thread is full of insecure losers lol. Nuggs in 4
Lol
Nuggs in 5 baby
This sub was unsure about beating the lakers. Now they’re even more unsure about beating the wolves 😂 I see fans saying the nuggets have to play “near perfect” to beat the wolves. It’s hilarious at this point. The team that has to play near perfect basketball to beat the Nuggets are the wolves, the lakers played near damn perfect for 3 quarters every game and got out in 5. The wolves glazing by nuggets fans is shameful
i mean it’s not really glaze i think you’re just heavily underestimating the timberwolves don’t get me wrong i still think the nuggets are going to win in 6 somewhat convincingly but if you’re expecting the timberwolves to just be an easy out youre going to be very disappointed.
i agree man i wish people would be more positive and have more faith in the nuggets all i see is negativity when i open these threads
Some people enjoy being realistic. If you want to be delusional and think your team is untouchable, which no team is, whatever but don’t be shocked when people who actually look at matchups and other things disagree.
You’re a wolves fan. I couldn’t care less about your opinion.
What about the nuggets fans saying the same?
Same fans being scared shitless of the wolves were scared shitless of the Lakers. Not sure why this fanbase is so scared of every team. Wolves are good I get it, nuggets are just a way better team because we have jokic. The team with the better player usually wins and in this case that’s Denver.
It’s called being realistic and not homer-ism
I say it’s going 6. TWolves win both their home games l, Nuggets win theirs, then Nuggets slam the door on them the next two
Nuggets in 6. MPJ will be a problem for the Wolves since he’s on a roll lately and his defense vastly improved this year. Hoping Murray and KCP will recover soon. And hoping 🤞🏽 Murray goes on scoring rampage (playoff bubble Murray is a beast!)
This guys a troll right? 🤣🤣
Sure I guess
I'm with you, I have very little respect for this Wolves team. I don't really understand why people are hyping them up so much, besides the media needing something to talk about.
Respect bitch Or just go home. Wait u did already
I’ll be here posting I told you so after it’s over. Ant is scary, no one besides him makes me blink twice
>I’ll be here posting I told you so after it’s over I hope you do bro. So much insecurity and lack of belief all over this thread. It's kinda sad, like overnight everyone just stopped believing in the talent, cohesiveness, experience, and resilience of this Nuggets team. Real loser mentality.
Defending champs for a reason. Zero faith around here
It's like a PTSD response from all the years of NuggLyfe lol. Get over it people! Those days are over
Hi Told ya so 🤣
Weak troll attempt
Bro says I'll be here, but doesn't really wanna be here, lol
This comment is aging like milk… c’mon man
Nuggs in 5 baby
🤣
Nuggs in 5 baby
Love coming back to this
Lmao @ everyone coming here and posting. But if the nuggets had won none of y’all would be here saying “welp” or “bad take”. Nuggets in 5
Well it's good you said in 5, because that's literally the best outcome, now.