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‘WOLVES IN THE DRIVERS SEAT’ – Fans react as Minnesota Timberwolves take 1-0 lead in semi-final

Defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets were defeated 106-99 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the second round Saturday. As Minnesota Timberwolves are now leading by 1-0 in semi-final series.

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Varun Sarwate
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Defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets were defeated 106-99 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the second round Saturday. As Minnesota Timberwolves are now leading by 1-0 in semi-final series. Anthony Edwards scored 43 points, Naz Reid added 14, and all but one of the Timberwolves' 16 points came in the fourth quarter.

With 25 points in the first half, Anthony Edwards was unstoppable, and in the fourth quarter, Reid took control. Despite foul problems, Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 20 points. Edwards scored 43 points, his third consecutive postseason game with 35 or more points. He finished with seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal. He scored both inside and outside, going 17 of 29 from the field and 3 of 7 from 3-point range. Denver had no response on defence. 

Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch was on the bench in the second row, behind assistant coach Micah Nori, who handled the coaching, roaming, and switching, three days after having knee surgery. Finch was positioned adjacent to the scorer's table.

There’s no weaknesses in his game - Michael Malone

In addition to his 32 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, Denver's two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic also committed seven turnovers. Following a scoreless first half, Jamal Murray scored 17 points. The Timberwolves broke the tie at 84 with an 18-7 run. During the crucial stretch, Reid led the Timberwolves to 10 straight points at one point.

Last year, the Wolves were a difficult first-round opponent for Denver Nuggets despite Reid's (broken wrist) and Jaden McDaniels' (broken hand) absences, as well as Karl-Anthony Towns' recovery from a serious calf injury that sidelined him 52 games. This time, no Timberwolves players were included on the injury report. 

“There’s no weaknesses in his game,” “And it’s going to be a hell of a challenge trying to slow him down,” according to AP News Dennver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said.

In Denver on Monday night, the Nuggets will play Game 2 under pressure, unlike anything they have experienced since their championship run of the previous year.

Here are twitter reaction to this win:

 

NBA Minnesota Timberwolves