Going into this series versus the Denver Nuggets, the Timberwolves are viewed as pretty heavy underdogs for a number of reasons. However, one thing that will undoubtedly give Wolves fans hope in this series is that the Nuggets don't have a single player who can stop Anthony Edwards on defense. Not one.
The Nuggets are an NBA powerhouse due to their creativity and dominance on the offensive side of the ball, led by the three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Fortunately for the Wolves, the Nuggets predicate themselves on outscoring you. Defense isn't exactly their calling card. They finished the season with the best offense in the league, but the 21st-ranked defense.
Ant has established himself as an elite playoff performer in recent years, and this trend is primed to continue against the Nuggets.
Anthony Edwards can score whenever he wants this series
In the playoffs against Denver throughout Ant's career, he's averaged 29.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. The number that really sticks out to me is the assists. He's been a solid playmaker against Denver in the playoffs in his career. This is partially due to the fact that Denver's weaknesses defensively make it easier to find his teammates, but also in part that he's always upped his production in playoff atmospheres.
In the regular season against Denver, he has averaged 30.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Not only is he able to score at will against them, but he's affecting the game in so many different ways, which is great to see. If Edwards can continue this trend of elite, high-volume scoring, combined with being an improved playmaker, he can give the Wolves a real chance.
The Nuggets don't have a true matchup for him on defense
To begin the game, the Nuggets will likely have Christian Braun on him. Braun is a pesky defender, but he doesn't have the defensive prowess or elite physicality to really bother Ant. Aaron Gordon is a good defender, but he's more of a bigger body, and doesn't have the speed or agility to keep up.
Their only other options are either Peyton Watson or Bruce Brown off the bench, and let's be real, Ant doesn't see a challenge in either of them, especially with Watson dealing with a hamstring injury.
But even better than this, once Ant inevitably gets by his first wave of perimeter defenders, he'll get to a rim being protected by Nikola Jokic. While Jokic is legendary at nearly every aspect of basketball, he doesn't provide any threat at the rim for someone as explosive as Ant. It will be interesting to see who outside of Ant has a good series, but as long as Ant plays like himself, the Wolves won't ever be dead.
Add us as a preferred source on Google