The Timberwolves picked up their defense when it matters
The Timberwolves certainly played defense like a team enjoying a blistering — and rare — shooting night for much of the game. They didn’t have nearly the focus off-ball needed against a team that moves the rock as well as the Nuggets, as evidenced by Denver’s 33 assists on 38 made shots.
In addition, Jokic played another great game in a historic season, going for a 27-point, 10-rebound, 11-assist triple-double and shooting 11-of-16 from the field. Minnesota can get a pass for that just because Jokic has been unstoppable. Where the Wolves improved across the game was against the supporting cast.
After allowing 88 points through three quarters with Jokic running the show, Minnesota tightened up with the Serbian big man sitting for the first part of the fourth quarter. The Nuggets only scored 19 points in the final frame, which was actually helpful considering the Wolves put up just 16 of their own.
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“We kept ratcheting up our defense as the game went along,” Finch said. “We didn’t start with great defense, we didn’t start the second half with great defense, but we found a good defensive intensity through the rest of the game.”
The Timberwolves look to stay hot in their next game back at the Target Center against the Los Angeles Lakers Friday night.