What the Nuggets’ success means for the Minnesota Timberwolves

What does the Denver Nuggets’ trip to the conference finals mean for the Minnesota Timberwolves?

The Denver Nuggets’ surprising series victory over the Clippers this week might mean something big for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Since acquiring D’Angelo Russell at the trade deadline this past February along with former Nuggets Malik Beasley and Juan Hernangomez, the Wolves roster has begun to look more and more ‘Nuggets-y’.

Star center? Check. Scoring lead guard? Check. The comparisons between Murray-Jokic as a duo and Russell-Towns have been easy to make and sparked plenty of conversation about the two teams’ futures.

So, how is Denver in the Western Conference Finals while Minnesota remains relatively ignored at the bottom of the West?

What the Nuggets’ success means for the Minnesota Timberwolves

It isn’t due to age, or, at least not completely. Murray and Jokic are a combined 48 years old, as are Russell and Towns. The Nuggets’ duo has been followed by defensive question marks throughout their careers just like the Wolves’, although perhaps not to the same extent.

There is something to be said for continuity. Denver’s core consisting of Murray, Jokic, Gary Harris, Paul Millsap, and Will Barton has been together since the summer of 2017, while members of the Wolves’ “core” are still yet to be drafted and/or traded for.

And it may be a bit naive to look at one series as a sort of model for how to beat a super-team, but it’s there, it’s pretty easy for the Wolves to mimic and very interesting to dissect.

So, how did the Nuggets take out the mighty Clippers? And how can the Timberwolves take steps towards achieving the same?