The Minnesota Timberwolves made a strong statement with their 106-99 Game 1 victory over the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Minnesota received a stellar effort from Anthony Edwards; however, big men Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid were just as impactful. Gobert revealed his powerful message to Reid before the young center went on a late-game run.

Naz Reid finished Saturday night's matchup with 16 points and four rebounds. He was a big reason the Timberwolves were able to hold the Nuggets down toward the end of the game. Reid's outburst was partially due to some slightly vulgar but encouraging words Rudy Gobert shared with him in the second half.

“In the 3rd quarter, I came to him and said, ‘f**k what's happening, f**k what happened if you miss a shot, if you get fouled or anything. Just free your mind and just be you and just embrace the moment, enjoy the moment and I promise you you gonna make some plays'. And he did,”  Gobert said, per Dana Moore.

Reid entered the fourth quarter with two points and three turnovers. Moreover, the Nuggets had outscored the Timberwolves by 12 points in his 14 minutes on the floor. Yet, the 2023-24 NBA Sixth Man of the Year turned up his production after Gobert's pep talk, going six for seven from the field in the fourth.

The 24-year-old's performance came at the right time, especially on a night when Rudy Gobert's offense was lacking. Gobert scored just six points in 35 minutes. Nevertheless, the Defensive Player of the Year candidate snagged 13 boards and blocked three shots.

If Minnesota continues to have an all-around team effort like they did on Saturday night, they have a good chance to hold out against Denver. Of course, everyone is gushing about Anthony Edwards' offensive explosion.

Timberwolves, Edwards remain undefeated in 2024 NBA Playoffs after statement round two Game 1 win

Minnesota would not have as much success without the stellar efforts of Anthony Edwards. After dealing crushing blows to Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns in the first round, Edwards picked up right where he left off against the Nuggets.

Edwards put on a Michael Jordan-esque performance of 43 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. He shot 58.6 percent from the field, 42.7 percent on three-pointers, and nailed all six of his free throws. The scary part was that Edwards arguably outplayed two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

Jokic nearly ended the night with a triple-double. He notched 32 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. The Nuggets looked like they might have had a grip on Minnesota. Yet, Edwards would not give in.

Denver gave Minnesota's offense problems early. Edwards remained unbothered. He amassed 25 points in the first half while the rest of his team combined for just 15 points, as noted by ClutchPoints' Timberwolves beat reporter Sheldon Wohlman.

If Edwards continues to dominate the way he has, the Timberwolves will be hard to stop. Minnesota's combination of hounding defense and consistent scoring is a nightmare matchup. Nevertheless, the T-Wolves must stay on their toes against the reigning champions.

Can Minnesota keep its foot on the gas amid an impressive run in the 2024 NBA Playoffs?