Despite facing adversity with key player absences, the Minnesota Timberwolves showcased an exceptional defensive performance in the first half of Monday’s Game 2 clash against the Denver Nuggets, prompting TNT analyst Charles Barkley to hail them as one of the NBA’s all-time greatest defensive teams.
The absence of 2024 Defensive Player of the Year finalist Rudy Gobert, who missed the game due to the birth of his child, led many to believe the Nuggets would secure a comfortable home victory to even the series. However, Minnesota’s defense had other plans, holding Denver to a mere 35 points and a dismal 32.6% shooting in the first half, while building a commanding 61-35 halftime lead.
“We saw one of the best defensive teams I’ve ever seen. The stats don’t lie. … Even without Rudy, this is one of the best defensive teams I’ve ever seen.”
Chuck on Minnesota’s first-half defense 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/asPKDV1GNt
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 7, 2024
During TNT’s halftime report, Barkley commended the Timberwolves’ defensive prowess, emphasizing how they have consistently lived up to their reputation as one of the league’s top defensive teams in the regular season and the playoffs.
Finishing the regular season with the best defensive rating (108.4), Minnesota carried their defensive excellence into the postseason, boasting a 5-0 record and a top-five playoff defensive rating (108.9) entering Monday’s game.
Charles Barkley highlighted the collective effort of the entire Timberwolves team in maintaining their defensive intensity, including standout performances from star wing Anthony Edwards.
While Barkley’s bold proclamation of the Timberwolves as all-time greats was met with some scepticism from co-host Kenny Smith, Barkley defended his stance by emphasizing the size and defensive prowess of Minnesota’s roster, suggesting they have the potential to leave a lasting mark on NBA history with their defensive capabilities.
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