Four things to watch out for in the Nuggets-Wolves game 7
Here’s what you should be aware of prior to the win-or-go-home game during the Western Conference semifinals.
By Shaun Powell
May 17, 2024 11:16 PM
Anthony Edwards scores 27 points and Minnesota staves off elimination with a dominant Game 6 win.
Denver -If the pattern in the Western Conference semifinal remains the same to the very final and the final score is a tie, Rudy Gobert will win Game 7 by a 35-foot shot at the buzzer, slaying the reigning champions.
For what reason?
“This series has been weird for the both of us,” said Wolves center Karl-Anthony towns. “We play two in their courts, and they get two on ours, they win on their court to win big wins, but we take a big win on our court. Someone must break the pattern to win game 7.”
It’s not surprising. There are a few reasons. Nuggets and Wolves reached this point through doing what they know best but with some unexpected twists and turns. However, the reality is 7th Heaven. In these instances it is common sense and the team with the best playerstypically prevails.
The game will expose the truth about coaches, teams and players Their decision-making skills and their ability to handle the pressure will ultimately decide their future. There’s no hiding place in Game 7. All naked.
In the same way, Wolves player Mike Conley said: “You’ll get everyone’s best shot.”
Here are four signs to expect during a Game 7 on Sunday that’s anticipated to be a high-stakes event:
1. Jamal Murray needs to shake Ant, aches
The second-best player and the person to call in the clutch of the Nuggets has to deal with some problems:
- Anthony Edwards crowding him on defense
- A injured elbow and calf muscle
It’s hard to tell which one is more irritating for Murray who went into an profound slump after the game 6 and frankly it’s been a bit inconsistent throughout this series (or during the entire playoffs). Murray is a good player for him, Murray is known to be a great performer regardless of the situation.
What a treat for his team on this Sunday. If it’s a close match, Jokic usually yields to Murray who’s able to fly off screens and make a perfect square to shoot mid-range shots ( just ask Anthony Davis).
Then, Murray must face the reality of his body being pushed to the limit during seven games after an off-day. Edwards (along together with Jaden McDaniels) staying with him as a rumor that is not true. In this case, maybe Murray merits the benefit of doubt. But what about a sore elbow and an unstoppable Edwards? It will be a close call.
“I just got to get better and be ready for Sunday,” he said.
This being said …
2. KAT on Joker will impact the outcome
The game won’t likely to be close during the 4th quarter, if Jokic plays Jokic activities for 3 quarters. That is, he’s an offensive force through scoring and passing. If that’s the case the Nuggets typically are the ones to hold their upper hands (and last year was winning the Larry O’Brien trophy as well).
However, Towns has done an impressive job against Jokic in this game, or the best that anyone could possibly be. Towns is bigger than Gobert and appears to know how to react physically and when to stay away from the whistle of a referee.
This is exactly what the Wolves were thinking of when they made the Gobert deal in the past few years they got two bigs that could cause matchup problems for teams on the opposite side and even teams such as Denver. Especially Denver.
With Towns taking on Jokic and Gobert playing the role of an unofficial safety who moves around the court and offers assistance when required The Wolves offer the most effective defense against Jokic by any player other than Joel Embiid.
Remember that Jokic has, in his last four series in the postseason, has smashed Anthony Davis twice and Bam Adebayo. If Minnesota isn’t able to keep him from winning, surely no one else can this postseason.
3. Ant seems built for this
Young superstars-in-the-making are so busy carving out a reputation for themselves that they don’t notice what they’re up against.
“I’ve never been in a Game 7,” Edwards declared.
It does not mean that Edwards will not be ready for Game 7. The smart money suggests the bright lights are nothing to him. That has been the case all through this postseason.
Edwards cut up Edwards ripped apart Suns in the first round, as did Kevin Durant in the first round. In this match, he’s beat everyone, with the exception of Jokic. In addition, his relaxed charming personality is not affected under pressure, and this is coupled with his snarl that he brings on the court.
Expect Edwards to take on the task of taking on the defending champions in a game that is a must-win on the road in front of an exuberant crowd as the Wolves season on the line. Anything less could be a shock.
4. A role player to the rescue
In these scenarios it’s not unusual to see a player who’s not brave on the court to throw a game into an entire loop, making one or two plays to determine the result.
So what are the nominees?
Let’s begin with McDaniels who’s defense is causing a headache to the Nuggets. The Wolves had the foresight to lock McDaniels in an extension in the summer of.
The possibility is Naz Reid recipient of the Kia Sixth Man of Year award who plays protection against Jokic and slams 3-pointers. Perhaps Conley is a veteran who’s player who is desperate to get an initial title If his calf muscle holds up.
For the Nuggets Christian Braun’s defense in the past has caused problems for Edwards. Justin Holiday has had only one game of note in this series, however when he makes the shots that are uncontested at the beginning of the game in the game, the Wolves need to adapt.
However the game is in need of some kind of Michael Porter Jr., who is almost unnoticeable who has not scored more than 10 points all three of the four games. Porter was effective and deadly in the opening round and this time the Nuggets want an instant flashback.
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for over 25 years. You can contact him via email here, view his archive here, and follow his Twitter account on X.
The opinions expressed on this page don’t necessarily represent the opinions of the NBA its clubs, the NBA or Warner Bros. Discovery.
