Is Denver Dead? Plus, Knicks Escape with a Win and Game 1 Previews
May 7, 2024
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Podcast discusses Timberwolves dominating Nuggets in 2-0 lead. The Knicks' narrow win over Pacers and concerns about Thibodeau's strategy. Donovan Mitchell's impact on Cavs and excitement for Thunder-Mavs series
01:12:00
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Quick takeaways
Minnesota Timberwolves displayed exceptional defense against Denver Nuggets, overwhelming them in Game 2.
Denver Nuggets faced challenges with Jamal Murray's struggles and lack of depth, highlighting vulnerabilities.
New York Knicks secured a narrow win against Indiana Pacers but showed concerns in turnovers and defensive lapses.
Deep dives
Minnesota T-Wolves Dominate Denver Nuggets in Game 2
In the second game of the series, the Minnesota Timberwolves showcased an outstanding defensive performance against the Denver Nuggets, completely overwhelming them. From the tip-off, the T-Wolves displayed a ferocious energy that forced Denver into a disarray. Players like Nas Reed, Jada McDaniel's, and Nikhil Alexander-Walker contributed significantly to this defensive dominance. The Nuggets, typically known for their improvisational offense, struggled to find a rhythm due to Minnesota's cohesive defensive rotations. The T-Wolves' defensive intensity and versatility proved to be a significant advantage, leading to a historical defensive performance.
Denver Nuggets' Struggles and Potential Adjustments
Despite being the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets faced significant challenges in Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The absence of Rudy Gobert, coupled with Jamal Murray's underwhelming performance, highlighted the Nuggets' vulnerabilities. Murray, historically a key player in the playoffs, failed to deliver, impacting the team's overall performance. Denver's lack of depth and reliance on veterans like Reggie Jackson raised concerns about their ability to adjust tactically and offensively. The Nuggets' defensive breakdowns and inability to counter Minnesota's defensive prowess reflected a team struggling under pressure.
New York Knicks' Narrow Victory and Areas for Improvement
In a closely contested matchup against the Indiana Pacers, the New York Knicks secured a narrow 121-117 win. Despite the victory, the Knicks relied heavily on exceptional shooting percentages, including 54% from the field and 48% from three-point range, to seal the win. Areas of concern for the Knicks emerged in their sloppy play, with double the turnovers of the Pacers and lapses in defensive hustle. Head coach Tom Thibodeau's focus on defensive tenacity and attention to detail was noticeably absent, indicating a necessary shift in strategy to address Indiana's competitive pace and style of play. The Knicks' bench performance, highlighted by Obie Toppin and an overall lack of bench scoring, raises questions about their depth moving forward in the series.
New York Knicks' Fatigue Against the Celtics
The discussion revolves around the New York Knicks facing potential fatigue issues against the Boston Celtics due to their players' high minutes and lack of depth. The podcast highlights concerns about players like Julius Randle and Derrick Rose playing extensive minutes without adequate rest, potentially impacting their performance in the upcoming games. Suggestions are made for the coach to consider utilizing other players like Miles McBride to alleviate the strain on the main roster.
Orlando Magic's Learning Experience in Game 7
The analysis shifts to the Orlando Magic's valuable learning experience in their Game 7 defeat against Donovan Mitchell-led Cleveland Cavaliers. The podcast underscores the significance of young players like Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony gaining playoff experience, despite their flaws in shooting and shot creation. Insights are shared on how facing playoff-tested players like Mitchell can shape the development of Orlando's youthful roster, hinting at a promising future for the team with strategic roster adjustments in the upcoming seasons.
Verno and KOC go through the Timberwolves blowing out the Nuggets to take a 2-0 series lead (01:03). They discuss the Wolves stingy defense on Jamal Murray, Chris Finch’s shortened bench, and debate whether the Nuggets stand any chance to come back. The Knicks were lucky to escape with a Game 1 victory against the Pacers, and the guys debate whether the remainder of the series will be just as competitive, and if Tom Thibodeau can sustain playing his starters extended minutes (31:34). Also, they discuss Donovan Mitchell’s importance to the Cavs as they move on to face the Celtics, as well as share their excitement for the Thunder-Mavs series (45:29).