'THE WOLVES ARE THE NEW CHAMPIONSHIP FAVORITE!' - Stephen A. reacts to Game 2 BLOW OUT! | First Take
Summary
TLDRIn a stunning display of defensive prowess, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a significant victory over the Denver Nuggets, leading the series 2-0. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns both scored 27 points, contributing to the Timberwolves' impressive playoff record. The team's athleticism and aggressive defense were highlighted, with players like Ant-Man, Alexander, and Jaylen Nowell praised for their performance. The Nuggets, despite having a strong offense and a potential MVP in their ranks, appeared overwhelmed and struggled to find an answer to the Timberwolves' strategy. Analysts expressed surprise at the Nuggets' performance and raised concerns about their ability to recover in the series. The Timberwolves are now seen as the favorites to potentially win the championship, with their defense being compared to that of legendary teams such as the mid-90s Bulls and the Golden State Warriors. The discussion also touched on the potential impact of Jamal Murray's situation on the outcome of the series.
Takeaways
- ๐ Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns both scored 27 points, leading the Timberwolves to a win over the Nuggets.
- ๐ The Timberwolves took a 2-0 series lead, with Minnesota boasting a 6-0 record in the playoffs.
- ๐๏ธ Game three is scheduled for Friday in Minneapolis, where the Timberwolves will look to maintain their lead.
- ๐ฌ Post-game, Edwards and Towns emphasized the importance of readiness for the Nuggets' counterattack and the need for a strong response.
- ๐ค The commentators expressed surprise at the Nuggets' poor performance, especially considering their status as defending champions.
- ๐ซ The Timberwolves' defense was highlighted as a significant factor, with their athleticism and aggressive play causing problems for the Nuggets.
- ๐ Jamal Murray's performance was criticized, with his complaints and lack of production noted.
- ๐ฅ The Timberwolves' defensive strategy was compared to that of historic NBA championship teams, with a particular emphasis on their first-half performance.
- ๐ The commentators were particularly impressed with the Timberwolves' performance, suggesting they could potentially win the championship.
- ๐ The need for the Nuggets to improve their offensive game was stressed, with the suggestion that their current form might lead to a series sweep.
- ๐ The importance of athleticism and size in the Timberwolves' defensive strategy was noted, as it effectively countered the Nuggets' key players.
Q & A
Which two players led the Timberwolves to victory in the game against the Nuggets?
-Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns both scored 27 points, leading the Timberwolves to a win over the Nuggets.
What was the significance of the Timberwolves' win against the Nuggets?
-The win gave the Timberwolves a 2-0 series lead, and they are now 6-0 in the playoffs.
When is the next game between the Timberwolves and the Nuggets scheduled?
-Game three is scheduled for Friday in Minneapolis.
What was Anthony Edwards' comment on the Nuggets' performance and their readiness for game three?
-Edwards acknowledged that the Nuggets would not play like that again in game three and that the Timberwolves need to be ready to take their punch.
How did the Timberwolves' defense impact the Nuggets' performance in the game?
-The Timberwolves' defense was described as 'maximum security defense,' overwhelming the Nuggets and preventing them from effectively controlling the ball or completing passes.
What was the general sentiment towards the Timberwolves' performance?
-The commentators were highly impressed with the Timberwolves' athleticism and defensive strategy, noting that they made it difficult for the Nuggets to score.
What was the critique of Jamal Murray's performance in the game?
-Jamal Murray was criticized for his high number of turnovers and for not making shots, with some commentators expressing disappointment in his performance.
What was the comparison made by one of the commentators regarding the Timberwolves' defense?
-The commentator compared the Timberwolves' defense to that of the top defensive teams in the league, such as the mid-90s Bulls, the mid-90s Knicks, and the Golden State Warriors, noting that he had not seen a team on the level of the Denver Nuggets get dominated to that extent.
What was the prediction made by one of the commentators about the outcome of the series?
-One commentator predicted that the Denver Nuggets are on the verge of getting swept and that the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to win the championship.
What was the observation about the importance of athleticism on the Timberwolves' team?
-The commentators noted that the Timberwolves' athleticism was a key factor in their defensive success, with players like Jaden Daniels and Anthony Edwards making it difficult for the Nuggets to score.
What was the reaction of the Denver Nuggets' coach, Mike Malone, to the game?
-Mike Malone admitted that the Nuggets were embarrassed and humiliated by the Timberwolves' performance, and he emphasized the need for a strong response in the next game.
Outlines
๐ Timberwolves Dominate Nuggets in Playoffs
Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a significant win over the Denver Nuggets, scoring 27 points each and putting the Wolves ahead in the series. The team's strong performance in the playoffs continues with a 6-0 record. Post-game, Edwards and Towns discuss the importance of readiness for the Nuggets' counterattack and the need for self-reflection and improvement. The commentators express their astonishment at the Timberwolves' performance, particularly their defensive strategy against the Nuggets, which they compare to some of the top defensive teams in NBA history. They also criticize the Nuggets' performance, noting that key players like Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic did not meet expectations.
๐ Maximum Security Defense by Timberwolves
The discussion continues with praise for the Timberwolves' 'maximum security' defense, which effectively neutralized the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets. The commentators recall past defensive performances in NBA history, such as the 1995 Chicago Bulls' defense against the Orlando Magic, to emphasize the rarity of such a defensive display. They predict that the Timberwolves are on track to win the championship, highlighting the players' athleticism, the leadership on the court, and the coaching under challenging conditions. The summary also touches on the Nuggets' frustration and the need for a strong response in the upcoming games.
๐ซ Timberwolves' Aggressive Defense Overwhelms Nuggets
The final paragraph focuses on the Timberwolves' aggressive and athletic defense, which caused significant problems for the Nuggets. The commentators discuss the importance of size and athleticism in basketball, noting how the Timberwolves' defenders managed to block and challenge the Nuggets at every turn. They reflect on past instances where the Nuggets appeared frustrated during playoff series, and suggest that the current series against the Timberwolves is eliciting a similar response. The summary concludes with anticipation for the Nuggets' response in the next game and a nod to the importance of the team's mental fortitude in the face of such a defensive onslaught.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กTimberwolves
๐กNuggets
๐กAnthony Edwards
๐กKarl-Anthony Towns
๐กPlayoffs
๐กDefensive Performance
๐กAthleticism
๐กJamal Murray
๐กNicola Jokic
๐กMike Malone
๐กWorld Championship
Highlights
Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns lead the Timberwolves to victory over the Nuggets, both scoring 27 points.
The Timberwolves take a 2-0 series lead in the playoffs.
Minnesota's impressive performance puts them at a 6-0 record in the playoffs.
Game three is scheduled for Friday in Minneapolis.
Edwards and Towns discuss the importance of readiness for the Nuggets' counterattack in game three.
The Timberwolves' defensive strategy overwhelms the Nuggets, with Towns and Edwards showing great athleticism.
Nuggets' performance criticized, with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray under particular scrutiny.
Timberwolves' athleticism and defensive tactics effectively disrupt the Nuggets' offense.
Tim Legler compares the Timberwolves' defensive performance to top defensive teams in NBA history.
Shannon Sharpe expresses surprise at the Timberwolves' dominance over the Nuggets.
The Nuggets are described as looking inept offensively against the Timberwolves' defense.
Jamal Crawford's comment on the Timberwolves' 'maximum security defense' is highlighted.
A historical comparison is made to the 1995 Chicago Bulls' defensive performance against the Orlando Magic.
The Timberwolves are predicted to win the championship, with a strong emphasis on their defensive capabilities.
The importance of the Timberwolves' defensive size and athleticism in challenging the Nuggets is discussed.
The Nuggets' frustration and discombobulation in the series is noted, a rarity for the reigning champions.
The Timberwolves' defensive performance is considered a game-changer, potentially making them the favorites to win the series.
Mike Malone's candid admission of the Nuggets' poor performance and the need for a response is mentioned.
Transcripts
Anthony Edwards and Carl Anthony towns
lead the Timberwolves in a game to win
over the Nuggets towns and Edwards both
scored 27 points in the 10680 win at
Denver giving the Wolves a 20 series
lead Minnesota is now six and0 in the
playoffs with game three on Friday in
Minneapolis here's Anthony Edwards and
Carl Anthony towns after the
game it worked in our favor tonight man
that's how that was um we made shots
they didn't um that's a defending champs
over there so um they're not going to
come out and play like that again in
game three U we got got be ready to take
their punch and I always tell the team
like when finy when we huddle up and
finy say we got to be ready to take
their punch I say we going to punch too
I mean they not the only one punching in
the fight so I mean yeah just like that
they're not the only one that's going to
come out punching a lost like this is
tough you know you feel embarrassed you
feel exposed so what are you going to do
about it you know that that's my biggest
thing what are you going to do about it
look yourself in the mirror have the
have the Cur look yourself in the mirror
say I did not do my job tonight and be
better next game that's all I can ask of
them okay uh Shannon are you more
impressed with the t- Wolves after that
blowout winner disappointed in the
Denver Nuggets I'm more impressed with
the t- Wolves uh if somebody would have
told me that they were going to take
apart the Nuggets like they did um we I
didn't think nicoa yic could play any
worse than what he played in game one
and he had 32 but he played worse he was
five of 13 he had another high turnover
game uh they're not making shots Jamal
Murray is complaining he wants every
call he's throwing things on the floor
he's he's pouting whatever the case may
be and I don't want to hear anything
about his hurt because he didn't hurt
look hurt against the Lakers he had game
winning shot he was oh he's iffy he's
doubtful he's questionable and he scored
32 in the in the close out game so I
don't want to hear anything about that
but what the what the timber wolves are
doing you see the athleticism they got
nobody to be able to stay in front of
Ant-Man you got n Alexander you got
jayen Daniel that's hounding him that's
making it tough on him they're making it
tough on Nicole yic they're not giving
him anything cuz you know he likes to
play tap to the ball to himself and
every time they do it they slap it out
of his hands he tries to go up for a
shot Carl Anthony TOS is there or
they're blocking his shot from behind
and Aaron Gordon is not hadn't given you
a whole lot of production in these ball
games I've been thoroughly look I
thought it would be a tough series I
thought it was going to be a seven game
series all along but boy if the Nuggets
don't pick this thing up Jamal Murray is
going to have to play the game of his
life Nicole Yi is going to have to play
the game of their lives in order to keep
from getting swept I'm way way more
important not uh impressed with the way
the Timberwolves have played as opposed
to disappointed with how the nuggets
have played did I think the Nuggets
going to score 80 points again but I'm
not so sure if they score and0 they
could beat the Timberwolves because the
Timberwolves just look that much quicker
than what the Nuggets look right
now go Le oh go thought they said you
were going to be next that's fine go
go I'm I'm I'm G let you go my brother
that's fine I couldn't possibly agree
more what shanon just said and and look
there's a lot there with Denver we can
get into but this is all about what
Minnesota did today particularly in the
first half of this game look I've been
doing this a long time man watching a
lot of great defensive teams I even go
back to some of the teams I played
against defensively the mid90s Bulls the
mid99s Knicks the Pacers of that era the
San Antonio Spurs teams the the Golden
State Warriors teams that were winning
championships I'm talking about the top
defensive teams in the league I do not
recall ever seeing a team on the level
of the Denver Nuggets get dominated to
that extent in the first half of that
game it was an absolute emasculation
that's literally what I was watching
because they couldn't they couldn't
control the ball off the dribble they
couldn't complete passes they couldn't
get on the offensive glass every single
shot they took was contested by multiple
Defenders the Denver Nuggets looked
inept offensively this is is a defending
champ this is one of the best offenses
in the league this is one of the best
two-man combinations in the league this
is a a guy that's about to get his third
MVP and they looked completely
overwhelmed by what Minnesota did to
them defensively I just literally cannot
recall seeing a bigger mismatch with
what a defense was throwing at a great
offense than what I saw last night all
credit goes to the Timberwolves they did
not want to give the Denver Nuggets one
Breath of Life to believe that they were
in this series that was their intent
last night and I think they accomplished
their
mission Tim legler I'm glad that you are
here for this segment sh Shay listen up
listen good buddy I got something to
tell you I got something to tell both of
y'all okay now Tim legler you said that
you hadn't seen it I mean it it what
what what transpired in the first half
by the way you know an one that's my
nickname for Jamal Crawford that that
brother that retired that Sixth Man of
the Year three time that brother
something special he was on TV last
night he had the line of the playoffs
the line of the playoffs he said this is
maximum security defense that's what he
called it he said maximum security
that's what it was I mean they had they
had Deva the reigning defending NBA
champions on Lock and keepy Tim legler
you said you can't recall Let me refresh
your memory I want you to think back
Shannon I want you to think back legs
put my brothers up on the screen I want
to see them when I'm talking to them I
want you to look back Hawking back it's
1994 95 Michael Jordan comes out of
retirement loses to the Orlando Magic in
the semifinals remember that yeah
remember when he got a couple of
turnovers remember when they were big up
in Nick Anderson remember when they
ended up carrying harvis Grant who was a
former build bull that now became an
Orlando Magic and They carried them off
the court like he was Rocky remember all
of that and then in the off season they
went and they got Rodman they come back
for the 1995 96 season they get to the
Conference finals against those same
Orlando
Magic 121 to 83 in game one remember
that legs remember when we watched
Michael Jordan and Scotty Pippen and Ron
hop and these boys the Orlando Magic
could barely dribble it past half court
ch Chico was on them like such piranhas
you knew at that moment it was Vengeance
it was being exacted in such a profound
way that I said oh my Lord and here's
where the kicker was the leading scorer
for the Bulls that game was Jordan no
surprise 21 points it wasn't even about
offense sh Shay it's about defense they
put them brothers under lock and key
that's what I saw last night yes Diva
couldn't do nothing I ain't seen defense
play like that in in in more than 35 in
damn near 35 years that's how much
locking key Denver was on it was like
that and I'm willing to say this right
now damn
it give my man big perk some credit he
talked about Minnesota going to the
finals and all of this other stuff I
think that the Denver Nuggets are on the
verge of getting swept I I never thought
of my wildest dreams no that I'd be able
to say that I think the Denver are on
the verge of getting
swept and I believe that the Minnesota
Timberwolves are going to win the World
Championship wow I think they're gonna
win it all wow I think they gonna win it
all I'm I'm I'm I'm looking at what I'm
looking at I'm looking at Tim legler put
put Tim legler on that screen I need my
basketball guy right there with my man
sh I'm gonna say it again I'm looking at
Anthony Edwards I'm not saying he's
Jordan no body's comparing like he's got
a lot to prove but when you saw Jordan
and you saw Kobe that's what you seeing
right now and that Killer Instinct I'm
looking at a call Anthony towns the
brother was averaging 19 he dropped in
27 he's sitting there shooting threes
and posing Jamal Murray tried to Elbow
me pulling up from the right corner then
looking at him getting stuff thrown on a
court that he damn near tripped over and
still draining more threes I'm watching
Nas Reed I'm watching Alexander Walker
I'm watching the leadership of connley
I'm watching a coach with a crack
patella on crutches okay with his
assistant running the damn show and
these brothers are just putting it on
folks I have not seen a defense like
that like what I saw in the first half
last night it's great as Boston is
defensively it's going to require every
bit of greatness from the Boston Celtics
Dallas or OKC good luck because I'm
looking at this team without Rudy Gober
without Rudy goar forced him to 35%
shooting 30% shooting from three-point
range Jamal Murray couldn't get off
Aaron Gordon couldn't get off yic
couldn't get off and he looked exhausted
cavius Carwell Pope Mr model citizen
arguing with officials I mean Mike
Malone getting an official face could
have been ejected could have been
ejected he should got Tech and I mad
love that's right mad love and respect
to the Denver Nuggets they're the
reigning defending Champions they're
legit but something special has
developed in Minnesota I got the
Minnesota Timberwolves winning it all
man I got him winning it all right now I
just that's what I'm
seeing legs you and Stephen they correct
me from wrong if you look at the way the
timber wolves are playing defense
they're challenging everything they're
not letting nicoa yic walk him down
they're punching hey he gets a couple of
dribbles they'll reach in and try to
punch it from the back or they'll come
with the double you see Nas Reed block
him twice he gets the ball back there's
somebody else to block block it from the
back they're challenging every single
thing they say we're going to give up
nothing cheap all these loose balls
there's a difference if you hey hey Rob
pinka I hope you're watching this you
see what you need you need athletic
Wings you need guys that are athletic
you see Jaden Daniels you see Walker
Alex Ander you see Ant-Man you see that
you see what causes the Nuggets problems
is size size bother them Carl Anthony
Town NZ do Reed they didn't have Rudy
Gober the same thing that gave them
problems before is giving them problems
again you need athleticism and that's
what the Minnesota timber Woods remember
the last time we saw the Nuggets look
frustrated in a playoff series we
probably got to go all the way back to
when they lost what they got swept if
I'm not mistaken
by Golden State that's the last time
that we've seen them so frustrated
discombobulated but the Min Minnesota
Timberwolves they're doing a number now
I know it's only two games and
Minnesota's going to have to come out
and like they said weather the storm
early because you know the Nuggets going
to come with an avalanche but I've never
I haven't seen the Nuggets look this out
of sorts this uh uh out of kilter in a
very very long time they're doing a
number on the defending champs Stephen A
and Shannon I think based on what we saw
last night Minnesota should be now
relegated as the favorite because that
was a defensive performance for the ages
I I literally couldn't believe what I
was watching I was texting people during
I can't believe how inept Denver looked
offensively and Stephen I love your
story because I played against those
teams in fact we played that Bulls team
in the 97 playoffs so I I remember those
teams very very well the one difference
I'll say though is this they weren't the
defending champs
that they did that too this these are
the defending champs and with a dude
that's about to win his third MVP and
they looked
overwhelmed that they had the life
squeezed out of them and it was amazing
they had no response I love what Mike
Malone said because there's nothing else
left to say yep it was embarrassing we
were humiliated we were dominated and my
question is what are you going to do
about it and that's all I'm going to say
to my team and I'm going to find out I'm
calling the game by the way with Mark
Jones on Friday night I'm going to be
there for game three and I want to see
Denver's best response but Jamal
Murray's got a situation we're going to
get into now that might have something
to do with the outcome of that game too
[Music]
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