DENVER – Anthony Edwards set a career playoff high with 43 points Saturday, helping the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the defending champion Denver Nuggets 106-99 in Game 1 of their NBA second-round series.
Edwards was unstoppable in the first half, during which he totaled 25 points. Naz Reid then took over in the fourth quarter; the latter scored 14 of his 16 points down the stretch.
Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 20 points, although he was at risk of being ejected from the match due to his numerous fouls.
Game 2 will be played Monday evening, also at Bell Arena in Denver.
Three days after undergoing knee surgery, Minnesota head coach Chris Finch was present courtside, behind assistant Micah Nori, who took over most of his usual duties.
The double recipient of the title of “ MVP » Nikola Jokic produced 32 points, eight rebounds and nine assists for Denver, but the Serb also committed seven turnovers.
Canadian Jamal Murray was shut out of the scoresheet in the first half for the locals, before recovering in vain with a haul of 17 points in the second half.
While it was tied 84-84, the T-Wolves had a lucky streak of 18 points against 7 to take the lead.
During a crucial moment in the final quarter, Reid scored ten consecutive points for the visitors.
In 2023, Minnesota proved to be a tough opponent for the Nuggets despite the absences of Reid and Jaden McDaniels, as well as the recent return to play of Towns, who had just missed 52 games.
This time, the Timberwolves have no one on the injured list.
In addition to being healthier collectively, Minnesota has also improved considerably thanks to Edwards’ brilliance, Denver coach Michael Malone suggested.
“There is no weakness in his game,” Malone analyzed, praisingly. It will be quite a challenge trying to slow him down. »
So far, Malone’s assessment has certainly proven spot on.
2024-05-05 01:55:00
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