The Minnesota Timberwolves resoundingly defeated the Phoenix Suns in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Wolves won every contest by at least six points and only needed four games to send the Suns packing.
Anthony Edwards showed out, averaging 31.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game against Phoenix. Fellow starters, Mike Conley Jr., Jaden McDaniels, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert performed admirably—each averaging double-digit scoring totals in the first round.
The battle against Denver will be yet another roadblock on Minnesota's quest for a championship. The reigning champion Nuggets are one of the league's best teams who roster arguably the league's best player.
After getting knocked out by Denver a year ago, this series is certainly one of the most anticipated amongst Wolves, Nuggets, and NBA fans in general. This time around the Wolves are a more cohesive unit, led by a burgeoning superstar.
What time is Timberwolves versus Nuggets Game 1?
Date: Saturday, May 4
Time: 6:00 p.m. CT
How to watch Timberwolves versus Nuggets Game 1
TV Channel: TNT
Streaming options: TNT Online (subscription required) or YouTube TV (subscription required)
Series schedule
Game 1: Saturday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m. CT on TNT
Game 2: Monday, May 6 at 9:00 p.m. CT on TNT
Game 3: Friday, May 10 at 8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN
Game 4: Sunday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. CT on TNT
Game 5 (if necessary): Tuesday, May 14 at TBD
Game 6 (if necessary): Thursday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. CT
Game 7 (if necessary): Sunday, May 19
What do Timberwolves need to do to the series?
Minnesota begins play away from home, where they held the third-best record in the association. This season, the Wolves split their series against the Nuggets—narrowly losing two efforts, and winning the other two by a combined 34 points.
Beating the Nuggets four more times is no easy task, but it's doable for this year's squad. Slowing Nikola Jokic will be key for Minnesota. But it's not just the Serbian star who the Wolves need to worry about. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. both had a terrific series against the Los Angeles Lakers.
McDaniels will likely spend time defending both of the aforementioned Nuggets in this series. Additionally, reserve Nickeil Alexander-Walker will receive plenty of playing time once again. Alexander-Walker's spot-up shooting and defensive versatility are important against a squad like Denver.
The Wolves have been to the Conference Finals once before, 20 years ago. Only four wins stand in the way of accomplishing this feat for the first time since Kevin Garnett led the way.