The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a dominant performance in their 106-80 win over the Denver Nuggets, taking a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals during the NBA playoffs.
Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns led the charge, scoring 27 points as the Timberwolves improved to 6-0 in the playoffs. The win gives them a chance to close out the reigning NBA champions with wins in Games 3 and 4 in Minneapolis.
“We’ve had some really, really good defensive efforts this year, but that has to be right up there with the best of them,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. “On the ball, off the ball, the physicality, the execution of the game plan… Just really locked in on defense.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets Updates
Edwards’ 27 points came with flair, including a highlight-reel dribble between his legs to evade a steal and a shrug after hitting a 3-pointer.
“If I do something nice, I got to let it be known,” Edwards said. “Whether I get an and-1, I got to flex. Make somebody fall, I’m going to point at them. And it brings excitement to the game.”
Towns, who added 12 rebounds and 2 blocks, enjoyed the show. “Let me put it like this,” Towns said. “When Ant is out there talking his stuff, I know that we’re in for a good night.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets Updates
The Timberwolves’ defense was equally impressive, holding the Nuggets to 34.9% shooting and forcing 19 turnovers.
“We’re extremely honored and blessed that we have this opportunity to go home up 2-0,” Towns said. “But, we’re humble in this approach. We understand that we’ve put ourselves in a great position, but as great as the position we are in, it could be very bad [if we do not win during] our homestand.”
The Nuggets’ frustration was evident, with coach Michael Malone and point guard Jamal Murray both losing their cool. Murray threw a heating pad onto the court in the second quarter and will likely face punishment from the league.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets Updates
The series shifts to the Target Center in Minneapolis for Game 3 on Friday, with the Timberwolves looking to take a commanding 3-0 lead. Rudy Gobert, who missed Game 2 for the birth of his son, is expected to return to the lineup.
“We just got to go out there, take care of business, do what we do, play defense at a high level, and execute even at a higher level because the defending champions, you can’t give them a minute of slippage at all in the game,” Towns said.
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