Nuggets vs. Wolves, what to watch for in Game 7?

Yasir AliMay 18, 2024

2 45 4 minutes read

Nuggets vs. Wolves, what to watch for in Game 7?

In the event that the current Western Conference semifinal follows its current trend, Rudy Gobert will defeat the reigning champions in Game 7 with a 35-foot shot at the buzzer.

Well, why not?

“This series has been strange for both of us,” admitted Timberwolves centre Karl-Anthony Towns. “We triumph big on our court, they win big on theirs, we get two on theirs, and they get two on ours.” In Game 7, someone needs to buck the trend.

You would assume that. The Nuggets as well as Wolves got here by performing what they do most effective, although with a few surprising detours. But this is Heaven Seventh. In these circumstances, common sense typically wins out, as does the superior team.

The outcome of this game will eventually determine the fate of the teams, coaches, and players; it will unveil the truth about them and how they make decisions and handle pressure. In a Game 7, hiding is not an option. Everything has been borne. Guard Mike Conley of the Wolves stated, “You’ll get everyone’s best shot.”

In what should be a stressful Game 7 on Sunday, here are 4 things to watch out for:

1. Jamal Murray must give Ant a shake, aches

The Nuggets’ designated go-to man in a pinch and second-best player is juggling a couple problems:

Anthony Edwards pressing him for a counterattack
A painful calf muscle and elbow

It’s difficult to say which is more annoying for Murray, who really hasn’t been outstanding between this entire series (or the playoffs) and into a deep slump in Game 6. One thing Murray does have going for him is that he usually rises to the challenge.

And this Sunday is quite the event for him. If the game is close, Jokic generally gives way to Murray, who can shoot mid-range jumpers by flying off screens and squaring up (ask Anthony Davis).

In Game 3 against the Timberwolves, Murray shows off a half-court throw at the buzzer.

Murray will have to contend with his body having to go into a seventh game following only one day off, and Edwards and Jaden McDaniels will be hanging on to him such a bad rumour. Perhaps Murray is deserving of a second chance in this instance. But Edwards was determined, and he had a painful elbow? It’s going to be really close.

He remarked, “I just need to recover and get ready for Sunday.” Having stated that,

2. Joker’s KAT will influence the result

If Jokic plays like Jokic does for three and a half quarters, this game most likely won’t be close in the last minutes of play. i.e., using passing and shooting to become an attacking force. The Nuggets often have the advantage in certain situations (and won the Larry O’Brien award last year).

Nuggets’ thrilling victory over the Lakers, ended by a buzzer-beater from Jamal Murray.

However, Towns has performed as respectably as anyone could have done in this series when it comes to Jokic. In addition to having a larger frame than Gobert, Towns also seems to know when to engage in rough play and when to avoid drawing attention from the referee.

The Wolves intended to acquire two big men who could cause matchup problems for any team, including Denver, when they made the trade for Gobert a few years ago. Denver in particular.

The Wolves have the greatest defence against Jokic of anyone who isn’t Joel Embiid, with Towns pressing Jokic and Gobert roaming the paint and helping out when necessary.

Remember that Jokic has destroyed Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis twice in his last four postseason series. Nobody will stop him this playoff if Minnesota doesn’t.

3. Ant appears suited for this.

Young stars-in-the-making are too preoccupied with building their own brand to be aware of their competition.

Edwards affirmed, “I’ve never participated in a Game 7.”

That does not imply that Edwards will not be ready for a seventh game. As has been the scenario all postseason, the wise money also predicts that he will not be affected by the bright lights.

In the opening round, Edwards destroyed Kevin Durant and the Suns. He is the best player in this series, aside from Jokic. He also brings a scowl to the court, and his laid-back, folksy demeanor looks to be unfazed by pressure.

Anticipate Edwards to rise to the occasion when the Wolves’ season is on the line and they play the reigning champions in a do-or-die situation in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Less than that would come as a shock.

4. An important part in the rescue

It’s not unheard of for an athlete who isn’t the most confident on the court to put the game off balance in these circumstances by making one or two plays to determine the result.

Who then are the candidates?

With 27 points from Edwards, Wolves defeat the Nuggets 115-70 to force a seventh game.

First, let’s talk about McDaniels, whose defense is giving the Nuggets fits. It was a wise decision for the Wolves to lock him in with an agreement last summer.

Naz Reid, the recipient of the Kia the National Basketball Association Sixth Player of the Year Prize, may be the player who blocks Jokic and makes 3-pointers. If Conley’s calf holds up, perhaps. The veteran is desperate for a chance at his first championship.

For the Nuggets: Edwards has occasionally had trouble with Christian Braun’s defense. In this series, Justin Holiday has only played one meaningful game, but if he makes uncontested 3-pointers early on, the Wolves will need to adapt.