In a stunning turn of events, the undermanned Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a resounding 106-80 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their second-round playoff series. Amid their impressive win on the road, three-time Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford took a subtle jab at the Nuggets’ first-round opponent, the LA Lakers.
Despite the Nuggets’ convincing victory over the Lakers in Round 1, winning the series in five games, their momentum has faltered in Round 2, dropping both Games 1 and 2 at the Ball Arena. With the series now at 2-0 in favour of Minnesota, the pressure mounts as the action shifts to the Timberwolves’ home court.
Jamal Crawford
“This is not the lakers”
IM CRYING 😭
— Cades Attorney 💼👨🏾💼 (@CadesAttorney) May 7, 2024
Denver’s typically high-powered offense was stifled in Game 2, managing only 35 points in the first half on a dismal 32.6% shooting from the field. In contrast, Minnesota surged ahead with 61 first-half points, shooting an impressive 54.5%, establishing a commanding 26-point halftime lead.
During the Timberwolves’ dominant first-half performance, Crawford highlighted the disparity between Denver’s struggles against Minnesota’s defense compared to their previous matchup against the Lakers.
Indeed, the Timberwolves have showcased defensive prowess throughout the season, ranking first in defensive rating (108.4) entering the postseason, while the Lakers lagged behind at 17th (114.8).
Despite the absence of star center Rudy Gobert, who missed the game due to the birth of his child, Minnesota’s defensive excellence persisted in Game 2.
With their sixth consecutive playoff victory, the Timberwolves remain undefeated in the postseason and will aim to extend their perfect record in Game 3, set to take place in Minnesota on Friday.
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