Nuggets

aron Gordon scored 24, including a reverse alley-oop dunk, and Monte Morris had 23 for Denver. But what did in the Nuggets were the 36 free throws ...

... Towns (6 for 6) and Russell (4 for 4) were perfect from the field in the first quarter and each swished both of their free throws in the opening quarter as well.Nuggets: F JaMychal Green returned to action after missing two games with a wrist injury. Are we going to be in the play-in? Are we going to be in the playoffs? ... Jeff Green raced through the tunnel and out the arena early in the third quarter because of a personal matter. But I can't sit here and say that he's going to play in any of the last four games. ... DeMarcus Cousins picked up four fouls and a technical in just 2 minutes, 6 seconds spanning the first and second quarters.Timberwolves: Wrap up their road schedule at Houston on Sunday night before finishing with three home games.Nuggets: Visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon before finishing up with three home games. We just came out and found a way to win in their home." "'You risk (getting re-injured) if you're not 100% ready to go, especially in the playoffs.'"What about Porter, who appeared to be ahead of Murray in his rehab until a recent setback in his recovery from back surgery?Timberwolves: G Malik Beasley returned after missing two games with an ankle injury. I think both teams showed that we were all into winning this game and we both understood the magnitude of this game and the importance. I think we've shown multiple times we're a playoff team and I think we also shown that we're not a joke," Towns said. Towns scored 32 points and the Timberwolves overcame Nikola Jokic's 38-point, 19-rebound performance in a 136-130 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.D'Angelo Russell added 24 points and Anthony Edwards scored half of his 18 points on a trio of clutch 3-pointers in the closing minutes to help the Wolves fend off Denver's comeback, snap a two-game skid and halt the Nuggets' three-game surge up the standings." DENVER -- — The Minnesota Timberwolves are still polishing their playoff credentials and Karl-Anthony Towns gave a sneak peek Friday night of just what type of challenge they'd present in the postseason.

If you're not familiar with Film Fridays, each Friday, I'll be looking at some recent Denver Nuggets' games, lineups or something else from a film aspect to ...

Denver went to their star center, and he took care of the ball and sealed the game. Denver sets screens to give him just enough room to operate, and he just starts bullying the New Orleans Pelicans after that. Taking care of the ball gives the opponent fewer transition opportunities, and it also gives the offense more chances to score. Jokic has no problem passing to open teammates, but, over the past two seasons, we’ve seen him embrace the role of being the closer for the team down the stretch of games. Monte Morris, who has been one of the best in the league at taking care of the ball since he entered the league, just flat out throws this ball away. On their next six possessions, they turned the ball over four of those six times. After leading by as many as 31 points against the Indiana Pacers, Denver allowed Indiana to climb all the way back and tie the game up heading into the fourth quarter. He stays out on Gordon which gives Jokic plenty of room for the layup inside. He’s worked as a cutter and down on the block, but, on this play, he’s setting himself up. Upon his arrival, it took a game or two for the starting five to mesh, but, once they did, the entire league was looking over their shoulder at this Denver squad. Feel free to give any feedback positive or negative in the comments or find me on Twitter. Outside of the LA Clippers, there isn’t another team in the Western Conference that is missing two of their top three players in contract value as things currently stand.

The Minnesota Timberwolves (44-34) play against the Denver Nuggets (32-32) at Ball Arena Game Time: 9:00 PM EDT on Friday April 1, 2022 Minnesota ...

It's been a high-scoring affair so far as the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets have combined for 197 points three quarters in.

Things couldn't have gone much worse for Minnesota as they lost 125-102 to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. This game was a close 62-60 at the break, but unfortunately for Minnesota it sure didn't stay that way. The Timberwolves are expected to lose this next one by 3. Meanwhile, Denver was able to grind out a solid win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, winning 125-118. This makes it four consecutive games in which Jokic has had at least 11 rebounds. Towns does need to be careful, however, as he is in foul trouble with four. The Timberwolves currently hold a 101-96 lead.

Jamal Murray's return date continues to be a mystery, as Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone had a rather interesting update.

That makes for great individual numbers, but it also isn’t a sustainable way to win in the NBA playoffs today. The way things are shaping up, Denver might be forced to throw their star into the fiery playoffs… The dream scenario was for Murray to come back around two months before April to help him get up to speed once the postseason rolls around. It’s gotten to the point that the team almost has to run him to the ground for them to even have a chance every game. However, the season is about to be over and Murray is yet to make an appearance. Many expected Murray to be back some time within the regular season.

The Minnesota Timberwolves (43-34) continue their four-game road trip in Colorado as they face a divisional foe in the Denver Nuggets (46-31).

The Wolves have won two of the three matchups versus Denver this year, and look to win the season series three games to one for the first time since the 2017-18 season. The Minnesota Timberwolves (43-34) continue their four-game road trip in Colorado as they face a divisional foe in the Denver Nuggets (46-31). Minnesota has lost consecutive games, with a 23-point defeat coming on Wednesday at the hands of the Toronto Raptors. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves in scoring with 24 points as the Wolves dropped both matchups versus Toronto this season. The Nuggets have won four of five and are in the midst of a three-game winning streak following a 125-118 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. MVP candidate and Nuggets center Nikola Jokic tallied 37 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists in the win.

Jamal Murray “wants to be back,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters Friday night following his team's 136-130 loss to Minnesota at Ball Arena.

Are we going to be in the play-in? Are we going to be the playoffs? “And he wants to be back. But I also can say that he won’t.” I want him back. Trust me, we all want him back.

Without their second- and third-best players, Denver has become one of the best road teams in the NBA, which could bode well in the playoffs.

After the two wins this week, the Nuggets are 24-16 on the road. Especially on the road. Keeping in mind that the NBA, among the four major sports, is the toughest place to win on the road. But again, the Nuggets just keep plugging away and keep winning. The Hornets have to keep their collective feet on the gas pedal and they know it. So you knew there would be no let-up on the part of the home team.

DENVER (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves are still polishing their playoff credentials and Karl-Anthony Towns gave a sneak peek Friday night of just what ...

Who: Minnesota Timberwolves (43-34) at Denver Nuggets (46-31) When: 8:00 PM CST TV: Bally Sports North Radio: 830 WCCO AM Radio Line: Wolves +3 (courtesy of ...

The Wolves need to help bring out the best in their point guard, who holds averages of 15 points and 6.5 assists per game in two matchups with Denver this season. Ant Man scored 30 points in the other 48.1% of the time, including 13 points when guarded by Jokić on switches or in pick-and-roll, per NBA Stats. Jokić is capable of getting the Nuggets an open look by himself every trip down the floor, which means that the Wolves will need to match that pace while creating equally good or better looks. The act of celebrating this, with two weeks left in the season, didn’t sit right with me at the time and looks even worse now. That’s a stark contrast to the Wolves’ unraveling without Jaden McDaniels. Minnesota awaits an opportunity to make up ground on the No. 6 seed Nuggets at altitude in Denver, in what will be the team’s seventh-straight game against a playoff-bound opponent. If Minnesota’s bench unit can keep Hyland in check, their chances of winning increase significantly. Minnesota needs to win out to have any chance at catching either Utah or Denver, whose schedules have layup wins in them. Denver is an excellent matchup for Minnesota because Jokić has struggled to defend Towns this season and Nuggets head coach Michael Malone can has to choose between putting Gordon on Towns or Gordon on Edwards. If I were Malone, I’d put Gordon on Towns and force Edwards to step up to the plate in the biggest game of his career to date. As Anthony Edwards continues to get back on track, he will need to hold his own against Aaron Gordon (the Nuggets’ best defender). Edwards scored 38 points the last time Minnesota was in Denver, but only scored eight points against Gordon, who was his primary defender for 51.9% of Edwards’ time on offense. Conversely, Denver has been gutting it out on the back of Nikola Jokić. The reigning MVP has been a one-man team in every sense of the term, and absolutely deserves to go back-to-back with the NBA’s most prestigious individual award for his efforts. The Wolves have won just two of those six games, and have blown double-digit leads in two of those four losses.

Nikola Jokic warned his Denver Nuggets teammate Jamal Murray to not rush his return from injury if he's not 100% yet.

At the very least, they need someone to be able to keep the team running when Jokic rests. Many point to Jamal Murray coming back as the solution for their problems, but Nikola Jokic himself warned of the dangers of rushing back the point guard too soon. Besides, we all saw what happened to Kevin Durant when he tried coming back too soon from his leg injury in 2019.

Get a recap of the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets basketball game.

... Towns (6 for 6) and Russell (4 for 4) were perfect from the field in the first quarter and each swished both of their free throws in the opening quarter as well. Are we going to be in the play-in? Are we going to be in the playoffs? ... Jokic didn't grab his first rebound until the 3:09 mark of the first quarter. ... Minnesota was 20 of 22 from the free throw line in the first half. We just came out and found a way to win in their home.” ... DeMarcus Cousins picked up four fouls and a technical in just 2 minutes, 6 seconds spanning the first and second quarters. ... The Timberwolves hit 12 of their first 16 shots. “I think we’ve shown multiple times we’re a playoff team and I think we also shown that we’re not a joke,” Towns said. But I can't sit here and say that he's going to play in any of the last four games. “I told him, ‘If you’re not 100% ready then don't come back. "This is the real deal Holyfield. Tonight was just another night with the chips all on the table — and for both teams.

The Nuggets Aaron Gordon showed he can still dunk with the best of them, finishing a reverse alley-oop in transition against the Timberwolves.

As for the duel between Towns and Jokic, it was worth watching, too. Denver and Minnesota put on a show, one that was mostly Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

A 38-point, 19 rebound and eight assist game from Nikola Jokic wasn't enough to secure the victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

With 24 seconds left, Denver got to within three points but Minnesota was able to hang onto the 136-130 lead. Minnesota managed to hang on to a 98-94 lead to end the quarter. The Timberwolves continued showing their dominance in the fourth quarter and went up 115-102 after going on a 17-8 run. D’Angelo Russell went 10 of 11 from the charity stripe for the Timberwolves and finished the game with 24 points. “Teams are getting into the bonus in the second and fourth quarter with eight minutes to go. The Timberwolves were able to hang on for the 136-130 win.

Karl-Anthony Towns scored 32 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame Nikola Jokic's 38-point, 19-rebound performance in a 136-130 win over the Denver ...

As the biggest game of the season for both the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves tipped off at 7 p.m. on April Fool's Day, both teams had their ...

We have to be a lot smarter, we have to show our hands, and we have to be a lot more disciplined in how we guard. That aggression and fight that Towns played with was a direct contradiction to the Nuggets lack of effort on defense in the first half. No other Nuggets player even got into a jog to get back and help the reigning MVP. The Nuggets allowed Minnesota to grab 10 offensive rebounds which led to 17 second-chance points and also hit 19 of their 40 attempted 3-pointers. Jokic was prioritizing finding his spots in the flow of the offense; not in spite of it. “They are two of the more talented bigs in the league obviously and they are division opponents; all of that familiarity breeds some contempt if you will, which I think is great,” Malone said. So you give up the 3, give up the glass, and give up transition points off your turnovers, you make it hard to beat a team that has a lot of weapons.” Denver had the win in their grasp so long as they could get some defensive urgency into the game. Even with Towns would take Jokic off the dribble from beyond the arc, he kept his shoulder low and squarely in the center of Jokic’s torso. Neither center missed a single shot as they combined to shoot 10 of 10 from the field. It did not matter if he was facing up for a jumper from the baseline, Towns made sure to try and get his shoulder into Jokic to create more room. In the first quarter, Malone was proven right as both centers came out with a fury.

DENVER (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns scored 32 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame Nikola Jokic's 38-point, 19-rebound performance in a 136-130 win ...

D’Angelo Russell added 24 points and Anthony Edwards scored half of his 18 points on a trio of clutch 3-pointers in the closing minutes to help the Wolves fend off Denver’s comeback.Jokic also had eight assists, two shy of a triple-double. Aaron Gordon scored 24, including a reverse alley-oop dunk, and Monte Morris had 23.The Timberwolves (44-34) still are long shots to avoid a play-in scenario but they gave themselves a shot by taking three of four in the season series with Denver (46-32), which fell a half-game behind Utah in the Northwest Division.Taurean Prince sank a pair of free throws with 19.8 seconds left after the Nuggets had pulled to 133-130 on Will Barton’s 3-pointer and Edwards added a free throw to cap the scoring.The Timberwolves took a 70-65 lead into the locker room after Edwards blocked Morris, who bypassed open teammates in both corners to take it to the hoop against two defenders, and Prince scored at the other end.Before tip-off, Nuggets coach Michael Malone was blunt about how his team has been pulling out games in which they played poorly.“The reality is this, no disrespect to Oklahoma City, Charlotte or Indiana, but we’ve won three in a row and have not played good basketball,” Malone said. DENVER, CO - APRIL 1: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates during the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 1, 2022 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)DENVER (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns scored 32 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame Nikola Jokic’s 38-point, 19-rebound performance in a 136-130 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Jamal Murray “wants to be back,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters Friday night following his team's 136-130 loss to Minnesota at Ball Arena.

Are we going to be in the play-in? Are we going to be the playoffs? “And he wants to be back. But I also can say that he won’t.” I want him back. Trust me, we all want him back.

We still don't know whether Jamal Murray will return to the court for the Denver Nuggets. Why are there are so many differing reports out there?

We know Jamal is one of the fiercest competitors in the NBA and thrives in a playoff environment, but would he want to return if he’s not at full strength? And what would Jamal’s return do to the rest of the roster? At some point, would the team be better to finish off the season as it started? Does he want to focus on next season when he’s fully healthy? But if he’s not healthy or fit enough to play his usual starter load, is the juice worth the squeeze? The most recent report on Jamal Murray’s potential return is that he’s looking ready to go.

If Jamal Murray is 100%, it's time to bring him back into the rotation alongside Nikola Jokic. Nuggets fans are due for a straight answer on Murray's ...

Of the first 24 minutes of the tilt, Jokic played in 22. Of the first 37 minutes, Jokic played in 34. After the Suns and maybe the Grizzlies, the West is wide stinking open. And if last Friday was any indication, criminy, does this team miss the Blue Arrow against quality, motivated opposition. The NBA postseason has a hit list. The NBA regular season has a code. One more headache at the top of the other guy’s scouting report. Yanking the media’s chains is fine. But some ramp-up to the NBA Playoffs, where the volume cranks up and the gloves come off, would be better than none at all. Would it be ideal to drop Murray, who hasn’t played since April 12 of last year, into the heat of a postseason chase? With Murray, it’s now or never, at least as far as the rest of this erratic, unpredictable 2021-22 season is concerned. Jamal Murray feinted on the right wing, then bodied up his man with a spiteful smile, each bump of the backside inching the pair closer to the lane.