Minnesota made an impression with a success against champion Denver (106-99), in the wake of Anthony Edwards, for their first match in the Western Conference semi-final on Saturday.
The Wolves continue, and have still not lost a game during these play-offs, where Anthony Edwards (43 points, 7 rebounds) asserts himself as one of the best NBA players at 22 years old.
After having orbited Kevin Durant’s Phoenix Suns in the first round, the Minnesota Timberwolves came to twist the arm of the reigning champion, in his room, at the end of a standoff which heralded a breathtaking series between the 2nd (Denver ) and 3rd (Minnesota) in the regular season in the West.
French pivot Rudy Gobert, essential in defense, most often against Aaron Gordon, also contributed to his team’s success, with six points and 13 rebounds.
The Wolves attacked hard to lead 14-2, before Denver came back to lead 25-23 at the end of the first quarter.
Minnesota Wolves French pivot Rudy Gobert (#27) counters against Michael Porter Jr. (#1), of the Nuggets, during Game 1 of the conference semi-finals, May 4, 2024 in Denver / MATTHEW STOCKMAN / GETTY NORTH AMERICA IMAGES/AFP
The two teams then went blow for blow in an intense duel, marked by the defense of the Wolves, the flights of Edwards, and the magic tricks of the Serbian Nikola Jokic (32 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists).
“Trust”
In 42 minutes of play, Anthony Edwards never stopped attacking the circle, while showing himself skillful from afar (3 out of 7) and effective in defense, displaying at only 22 years of age the qualities of a leader of a team capable of aiming for the title.
Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon (C) and Nikola Jokic (D) struggle against Wolves’ Anthony Edwards (L) during Game 1 between the two franchises on May 4, 2024 in Denver / MATTHEW STOCKMAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
Often compared to the legend Michael Jordan, “Ant man” notably made Aaron Gordon dance during a series of dribbles for an important mid-range shot during the 4th quarter.
“My teammates trust me in all positions during key moments of matches. I try to fight for them,” Edwards commented on broadcaster TNT.
The 4th quarter also saw the Wolves bench make the difference with Naz Reid. The tall American (2.06 m) justified his award as “best NBA substitute” with 14 points (out of 16) at the end of the match, between long shots and a spectacular one-handed dunk over Jokic.
Wolves coach Chris Finch, who had knee surgery on Wednesday after a ruptured right patellar tendon, was seated on the bench, near his crutches, to help his training.
Minnesota Timberwolves Coach Chris Finch during Game 1 of the play-off played in Denver, May 4, 2024 / MATTHEW STOCKMAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
Minnesota, which has only one conference final in its 35 years of existence, is clearly bidding for the title.
The Nuggets will have to react on Monday during a new home match if they do not want to complicate their quest for a double.
“It’s a very talented team. They haven’t been first in the West for a majority of the season by chance. We can be better in many aspects and we will have to be,” said the Nuggets coach. Michael Malone.
