Anthony Edwards scores 43, Timberwolves steal Game 1 from Nuggets

Foul hassle is never a blessing in disguise.

It would’ve helped the Timberwolves steal a highway sport within the first chapter of what’s positive to be a bitterly aggressive collection.

NBA Sixth Man of the Yr Naz Reid performed extended fourth-quarter minutes with Karl-Anthony Cities in foul hassle, and his 10-point burst within the final six minutes handed the Nuggets a 106-99 Recreation 1 loss on Saturday evening.

That is the primary time within the final two postseasons that Denver has trailed a collection. Recreation 2 is Monday at Ball Enviornment.

“It was a really shut sport. It was sport,” Michael Porter Jr. mentioned. “We will positively play higher.”

When Jamal Murray gave Denver the lead with a 4-point play with 8:35 remaining, Cities parked himself on the bench along with his fifth foul. Reid, a greater than succesful backup heart, stayed on the ground alongside Rudy Gobert because the collection opener hurtled towards clutch time.

The backup 5 took over towards the very best beginning 5 within the West.

Reid banked a fortuitous 3-pointer to interrupt an 84-all tie. On the following possession, he slammed dwelling an offensive rebound. Because the Timberwolves pulled away, he added a finger-roll and one other 3. He scored all 16 of his factors after halftime.

“Second half, I simply felt not almost sufficient self-discipline and physicality, and that they had been in a position to get no matter they needed,” coach Michael Malone mentioned.

Porter continued to be reliable for Denver with an environment friendly 20. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 factors however turned the ball over seven instances.

Anthony Edwards was the sport’s solely true, constant drive. He willed his option to 43 factors on 17-for-29 taking pictures in a defensive rock combat, even because the Nuggets double-teamed him.

“One factor that makes us profitable is that when groups double Joker, we’ve received succesful guys that may make pictures,” Porter mentioned. “Comparable with them. In the event you double Ant, you might be swinging the ball to KAT or Mike Conley or Jaden McDaniels. All succesful guys. It’s positively a stability, and it’s one thing we’ve gotta have a look at on movie.”

The familiarity between these division foes, and between the person characters dotting the matchup from the sidelines to entrance workplaces, prompted questions all through the week about tactical navigation. Would the Nuggets and Timberwolves introduce new wrinkles and changes that they’d saved only for this playoff event? Or would it not be a extra simple collection strategically, with no secrets and techniques left to disclose?

“With the additional week of preparation, I assume each groups are in a position to form of assume slightly deeper,” Minnesota coach Chris Finch mentioned earlier than tip. “However I’d think about each groups are simply gonna form of be themselves and let it rip.”

Not precisely. Ninety minutes later, Minnesota began the collection with its finest wing defender, Jaden McDaniels, guarding Porter as an alternative of the calf-hampered Murray. “I’m positive he’ll begin off on Jamal,” Porter had predicted the day earlier than. “However I really feel comfy with anybody guarding me. The way in which I play, I don’t really feel like (McDaniels) will be capable of block my shot.”

Murray was hounded by Edwards throughout an intimidating 18-4 begin. However Porter was proper about one factor, even when he was incorrect in regards to the matchup: It’s close to unimaginable to disrupt his taking pictures rhythm with any quantity of size or tenacity. He sank a troublesome 3-pointer off a dribble handoff from Jokic to assist ignite a 13-0 Nuggets reply.

By then, Cities had checked out, leaving the Timberwolves of their secondary protection of Jokic: an old-school submit showdown with Gobert, now not roaming in assist. Jokic accepted the invite to bang away at his longtime adversary. He settled into the sport.