The Minnesota Timberwolves proved to be worthy contenders in the 2024 NBA Playoffs after sweeping the Phoenix Suns in the first round. Despite the Denver Nuggets having a strong showing going 4-1 against the Los Angeles Lakers, most of their games were close. On the other hand, Minnesota dominated the majority of their games further proving that they're a threat.
The Nuggets and Timberwolves are now set to face off in the semifinals, however, Denver's title defense could be at higher risk. Given how Minnesota easily dethroned the big three of Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant, the defending champions are in for a rollercoaster ride.
With that said, let's take a look at some reasons why the Nuggets should be worried about the Timberwolves.
Anthony Edwards is scorching hot
Since his rookie season with the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards proved to be a future star in the NBA. Now in his fourth season, Edwards is carrying his team and is doing so with ease.
Throughout their first-round matchup against the Suns, Edwards took charge and showed the basketball world that his time is now. He averaged 31.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2.0 steals in four games. Despite having other star players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert to help share the offensive load, Edwards took on the task of being his team's leader.
Antman is likely feeling good about himself after beating a future Hall of Famer in Kevin Durant. Having all that momentum by his side, chances are his scorching hot performance will carry over to their series against the Nuggets.
Timberwolves have two other big men to stop Nikola Jokic
One of the major factors the Denver Nuggets need to look out for is the Minnesota Timberwolves big men. Aside from Jamal Murray being clutch against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Purple and Gold struggled to lockdown Nikola Jokic. However, having Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns as his matchup, Jokic might have a difficult time.
Jokic is a unique big man in the league. He's a center who can play the point and fill most gaps. Given his circumstances, teams find it puzzling to shut down The Joker. The Serbian giant is also a triple-double machine, making him a more difficult matchup.
However, it's worth pointing out that the Lakers were able to beat the Nuggets in the 2020 NBA Playoffs due to the number of big men they had. Having that in mind, the Timberwolves are in a similar scenario. If Gobert and Towns manage to shut Jokic down, Denver might find themselves in a sticky situation.
The Nuggets and Timberwolves are arguably evenly matched
Based on the turn of events in the first round, the Nuggets and Timberwolves proved to be well-rounded teams. What makes both teams versatile is that they can rely on almost anyone on their bench. The role players can step up despite having star players on their squad.
Denver has players like Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to rely on in any case Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are offline. As for Minnesota, they have Jaden McDaniels, Mike Conley, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker aside from their three stars.
With all that said, the series between the Nuggets and Timberwolves seems to be an intriguing matchup. While many believe Denver will defend their title this season, Minnesota proves to be a worthy foe to dethrone the champions potentially.
Game 1 between the two teams will take place on May 4, 2024.
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