There is Hope, but how much? Timberwolves @ Nuggets Game 2

 

The Denver Nuggets take both Home games to start the series 2-0 over the Timberwolves. Game 2 looked to be getting out of hand early in the first when the Nuggets went up by over 20 points towards the end of the 1st quarter.

Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray combined for 67 points in the game. The Nuggets used Jokic as bait last night to get shots for Murray. Jokic was a major problem in Game 1, so with the Wolves focusing on looking him down in Game 2, Jamal Murray stepped up. The Wolves found themselves down 64-49 at the half, and it looked like an easy win for the Nuggets, until the third quarter started.

The Wolves put up 40 points in the 3rd quarter and went on what I believe was a 16-0 run late in the third. This was all led by Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, who were great on both sides of the floor in the second half.

The Wolves cooled off a bit in the 4th, missing some good looks, and giving up more points. A lot of questionable fouls in the 4th sent Denver to the line quite a few times, but thats besides the point.

Lets face it, the Wolves miss Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid. They are getting destroyed by Jokic and Murray night-night, and are really lacking on defense. Not that the offense has been great either, but its been ok aside from 4th quarter performance.

The Wolves lost 122-113 to the Nuggets and will take the series home to the Target Center to bounce back. If the Wolves can't find an answer for Jokic and company, I fear a sweep is inevitable.