Anthony Edwards Drops 43 Points In A Thrilling Game 1Win In Denver 🐜🔥 | NBA on TNT

NBA on TNT

4 May 202414:51

Summary

TLDRIn a thrilling game one of the Western Conference semi-finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 106-99 victory over the Denver Nuggets, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Anthony Edwards was a standout player, scoring a remarkable 43 points, marking his second 40-point game in the playoffs. Nasir Reed also made a significant impact, contributing 14 points in the fourth quarter alone. Despite the Nuggets' efforts, including a strong performance from Michael Porter Jr. and a late surge from Jamal Murray, the Timberwolves' depth and strategy proved too much. The game was marked by a high-energy pace and intense competition, setting the stage for an exciting series ahead.

Takeaways

🏀 Anthony Edwards had an impressive performance, scoring 43 points and leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 106-99 victory over the Denver Nuggets in game one.
📈 The Timberwolves had a significant 18-7 run, with Nas Reed scoring 10 straight points, contributing to their series lead.
🚫 The Minnesota defense was effective, particularly against the Denver bench, which struggled throughout the game.
👍 Nas Reed's fourth-quarter surge with 14 points was pivotal, showcasing his value as the Sixth Man of the Year.
🤔 The commentators discussed the need for Denver to adjust their strategy, possibly involving more play from DeAndre Jordan to support their star player.
🔥 Anthony Edwards' shooting skills were highlighted, with a focus on his three-point shooting ability, which has improved significantly.
👏 Mike Conley's contribution was also noted, as he scored 14 points, including a couple of threes, after being scoreless in the first half.
📊 Despite Denver winning the three-point line and the foul line, and Minnesota giving up 26 points off turnovers, the Timberwolves still secured the win.
🤕 Jamal Murray's performance was affected by his health, as he struggled in the first half but managed to score 17 points in the second half.
🎉 The Timberwolves achieved a franchise playoff record with their win, marking a significant moment for the team.
📝 The coaches acknowledged the need for Denver to improve and adapt their game plan for the remainder of the series.

Q & A

What was the final score of the game between Minnesota and Denver?
-The final score was 106 to 99 in favor of Minnesota.
Which team took the lead in the first game of the series?
-Minnesota took the lead in the first game of the series.
How many points did Anthony Edwards score in the game?
-Anthony Edwards scored 43 points in the game.
What was significant about Nas Reed's performance in the fourth quarter?
-Nas Reed scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, including 10 straight points, which contributed to Minnesota's 18-7 run.
What was the issue with the Denver bench according to the commentators?
-The Denver bench was considered a weak point as they did not have a strong performance, with the bench points in the game being 23-15 in favor of Minnesota.
What was the commentators' view on the importance of the pace of the game for the Joker?
-The commentators noted that the pace of the game was sped up, which was not the Joker's preferred pace, and this affected his performance.
How did the commentators describe Anthony Edwards' overall game?
-The commentators described Anthony Edwards as the complete package with great athleticism, skill set, and poise, being fun to watch and not getting discouraged despite missing shots.
What was the record set by Anthony Edwards in the playoffs?
-Anthony Edwards set a franchise playoff record with 43 points scored in the game.
What was the commentators' opinion on the importance of the bench in the series?
-The commentators believed that the strength of the bench would be a key factor in the series, as Denver's bench was not as strong as Minnesota's.
What was the commentators' view on the officiating during the game?
-The commentators criticized the officiating, particularly the frequency of technical fouls and the impact on the game's flow.
What strategy did Minnesota use against Denver's Joker?
-Minnesota used a strategy of throwing three seven-footers at Joker, making him work harder and speeding up the game, which was not his preferred pace.

Outlines

00:00

🏀 Minnesota Timberwolves' Victory and Player Performances

The first paragraph discusses the Minnesota Timberwolves' win in game one against the Denver Nuggets, with a final score of 10699. The game was closely contested until Minnesota went on an 18-7 run, largely due to Anthony Edwards' impressive performance, scoring 43 points. Nas Reed also had a significant impact, scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter. The commentary highlights the need for Denver to adjust their strategy, particularly concerning their reliance on the Joker, and the importance of bench strength in the series.

05:02

📊 Game Statistics and Denver's Strategy Critique

The second paragraph delves into specific game statistics, noting that despite Denver winning the three-point line and the foul line, and Minnesota giving up 26 points off turnovers, Minnesota still secured the victory with a score of 106 to 99. The commentary suggests that Denver may have over-relied on their star player, the Joker, and that their bench strength was outmatched by Minnesota's. It also mentions the physical exertion required from the Joker when playing against certain Minnesota players and the potential need for Denver to utilize their bench players more effectively.

10:04

🤝 Coaches' Insights and Anthony Edwards' Standout Performance

The third paragraph provides insights from the coaches, praising the communication and strategy during the game. It emphasizes the importance of playing a full 48 minutes of focused basketball against a talented team like Denver. The paragraph also highlights Anthony Edwards' exceptional performance, drawing comparisons to Kobe Bryant for his back-to-back 40-point playoff games at a young age. The summary acknowledges the defensive efforts against Jamal Murray and the overall defensive strategy against the Joker. It concludes with an admiration for Edwards' shooting skills and the challenge he presents to opposing teams.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Blind Squirrel

The term 'blind squirrel' is a metaphor used in the script to describe someone who, despite a lack of skill or insight, occasionally gets things right by chance. In the context of the video, it's likely a playful self-deprecation by the speaker, suggesting that they occasionally make good calls or observations, even if they don't fully understand the game.

💡Acronym

An acronym is a word formed from the initial letters of a name or phrase. In the script, 'NZ Reed' and 'Joker' are acronyms referring to players' names, likely shorthand used by commentators or fans. NZ Reed refers to Naz Reid, and 'Joker' is a nickname for Nikola Jokic, a professional basketball player.

💡Series Lead

A 'series lead' in sports refers to the advantage a team has in a multi-game competition, such as a playoff series. In the script, it is mentioned that Minnesota has taken a 'one-nothing' series lead, meaning they have won the first game out of a series that will determine the overall winner.

💡Scoring Run

A 'scoring run' is a sequence of plays in a game where one team consistently scores points while the other team does not. The script mentions an '18-7 run' by the Minnesota Timberwolves, indicating a strong offensive performance by the team during a specific period of the game.

💡Poise

Poise refers to a person's ability to remain calm and composed, especially in difficult situations. In the context of the video, it is used to describe the impressive demeanor of a young basketball player, Anthony Edwards, who maintains his composure during the game, contributing to his team's success.

💡Sixth Man of the Year

The 'Sixth Man of the Year' is an award given to the best player coming off the bench in the NBA. In the script, it is mentioned in reference to Naz Reid's performance, highlighting his significant contribution to the team's success despite not being a starter.

💡Technical Foul

A 'technical foul' in basketball is a type of infraction that involves unsportsmanlike conduct or other violations that are not directly related to game play. The script includes a commentary on the officiating, criticizing the officials for giving out technical fouls that the speaker feels were unwarranted.

💡Pick and Roll

A 'pick and roll' is a basketball play in which a player sets a screen (or 'pick') for a teammate, who then attempts to drive towards the basket. The script discusses how the pace of the pick and roll was altered during the game, affecting the performance of a key player.

💡Foul Trouble

Being in 'foul trouble' means a player has accumulated multiple fouls and is at risk of being disqualified from the game if more are committed. The script mentions Anthony Towns being in foul trouble, which could have affected his playing time and the team's strategy.

💡Home Court Advantage

Home court advantage refers to the benefits a team has when playing in their own arena, such as familiarity with the court and support from the home crowd. The script notes that Minnesota managed to 'swipe the home court edge,' meaning they won the first game of the series away from their home arena.

💡Playoffs

The playoffs are the elimination tournaments held after the regular season in many sports, including basketball, to determine the league champion. The script discusses the performance of players and teams during the NBA playoffs, which is a critical time for showcasing skill and securing a championship.

Highlights

Minnesota Timberwolves took game one against Denver with a final score of 10699.

Anthony Edwards had an impressive 43-point game, showcasing his athletic prowess and skill set.

Nas Reed scored 10 straight points for Minnesota during a crucial 18-7 run.

Durk's commentary emphasized the importance of the bench performance, with Minnesota outscoring Denver 2315 in bench points.

Mike Conley contributed significantly with 14 points, stepping up after a scoreless first half.

Anthony Towns also had a noteworthy performance with 20 points.

The Timberwolves achieved a feat no other team has done since March 29th by beating the Nuggets on their home floor.

The final score was 106 to 99 in favor of Minnesota, highlighting their ability to overcome Denver's lead.

Reggie Jackson provided a spark for Denver with a strong early performance.

Jamal Murray struggled in the first half but showed resilience with a circus shot in the second half.

The Nuggets' lack of a strong bench was a point of discussion, with the Timberwolves having a more impactful bench.

Anthony Edwards' comparison to Kobe Bryant for his back-to-back 40-point playoff games at 22 or younger was mentioned.

The strategy of playing against Joker with two big bodies was praised as it prevented double-teaming and opening up the court for Denver.

The importance of maintaining a consistent pace throughout the game was discussed, with the Nuggets appearing discombobulated at times.

The communication and cooperation between the coaching staff during the game were highlighted as smooth and effective.

The need for Denver to improve and adjust their strategy for the remainder of the series was emphasized.

The transcript ends with a humorous note about sending someone fishing, a light-hearted jab at the competitive nature of the game.