During Sunday night’s NBA game, the Minnesota Timberwolves had no problem recording a 128-98 victory against the Denver Nuggets on the second night of a back-to-back. Nikola Jokic sat with three other Nuggets starters. D’Angelo Russell scored 18 points and added 10 assists, while Anthony Edwards scored 20.
In what became the Timberwolves’ seventh win in 10 games, Rudy Gobert scored 16 points. His team moved forward to build a 20-point lead before halftime, solidifying their prospects of winning against a small Nuggets team.
“We were very corporate,” said Timberwolves coach Chris Finch. “Take advantage of the opportunity that was there for us. I think we only had three or four substitutions in the first half. That’s been a little bit important to our focus. And I thought we made a lot of really good plays.
Aside from Jokic (tight left hamstring), the Nuggets played without Jamal Murray (left knee injury treatment), Aaron Gordon (sprained left ankle), and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (sprained right ankle).
NBA SCORES & NEWS: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
With 22 points, Michael Porter Jr. the Nuggets as the only regular starter available to play. Christian Braun took advantage of his chance and scored 19 points. Denver finished with a poor 39.5 percent shooting percentage from the field, with 24 quick break points being a worrying factor.
“Without four starters, you have to play almost perfectly to give yourself a chance,” said Nuggets coach Mike Malone. “Revenue fueled their break, 24 fast-break points. There are just too many breakdowns on both ends of the floor to even have a chance to be competitive tonight.
Since the Nuggets were not playing Bones Hyland, they did not have a primary ball handler. The fallout of this is reflected in Denver’s 14 of 21 total turnovers in the first half alone, leading the Timberwolves to score 32 points on turnovers in the game.
“We just play free and easy, but of course sometimes a little too free and a little too easy,” said Malone.
NBA SCORES & NEWS: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
From the start, the Timberwolves were intentional not to be taken by surprise by a low-handed team. The Timberwolves’ most impressive play was a 25-5 first half run to set the tone.
“In games like this, you kind of play off the competition,” said Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels. “So, it seemed like all their starters were out there and just playing with aggression.”
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