The Minnesota Timberwolves have shown why they are currently one of the most dangerous teams in the league with their win against the Denver Nuggets.
It was an impressive result for Minnesota because they have constantly trounced Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. This most recent win marks the fifth straight time the Timberwolves have beaten the 2023 NBA Champions.
If it weren't for the Cleveland Cavaliers' 15-game winning streak, the Minnesota Timberwolves would have been the NBA's hottest team.
With six straight wins to their name, Minnesota is performing well at the right time. They are in the hunt for an automatic berth into the Playoffs. In this game against the Nuggets, there were some big lessons for Chris Finch's team.
Minnesota Found the Secret to Defending Denver Well
In the past few games between the Timberwolves and Nuggets, coach Chris Finch has done well with his defensive game plan.
He pushed Jokic to be more aggressive because the Timberwolves suffocated Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray on defense. It is a simple yet tough-to-execute game plan, but Minnesota found a way.
The three-time MVP finished with 34 points but was limited to only four assists. Jokic can score many points, but he is most effective when he dictates the game and serves as the playmaker.
Murray was held to only 12 points on a terrible 4/15 from the field. On the other hand, MPJ only scored 10 points and shot a mediocre 3/10 from the field.
The game plan worked, and it could be the go-to strategy when playing against the Nuggets.
Minnesota Timberwolves outstanding team defense pic.twitter.com/nCaaNffUWk
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) March 13, 2025
Related: The Timberwolves are Peaking at the Right Time Under Chris Finch
Hustle Makes Minnesota a Tough Opponent for Any Team
The Timberwolves are not short in talent, but as the popular saying goes, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."
Minnesota's players were relentless in their energy throughout the game. They dove for loose balls, always hustled to get in front of their defensive assignment, and battled for the rebound.
Rudy Gobert and the rest of the Timberwolves won the rebound battle 48 to 42 while accumulating 29 second-chance points compared to Denver's 11.
With this kind of energy and pace, Minnesota will continue being a tough matchup. The team is already filled to the brim with talented players, but they are working their butts off to get the win in every game they play.
YUUUPPP. pic.twitter.com/kQYNad88kF
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) March 13, 2025
Coach Finch Trusts His Primary Rotation
Plenty was said about Finch's rotations because there have been limited minutes going around. Of course, there have been opportunities for promising youngsters like Terrence Shannon and Rob Dillingham, but the core matters for the victories.
Despite their promising potential, Finch has to stick to his guns during this crucial stretch for the Playoff spot. His primary rotation is the starters with reigning Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
It is an effective lineup because they can go small ball, but still maintain that scrappy defense. They are one of the most formidable defensive units in the league, and this win against Denver is proof of that.
Minnesota is ready for all comers because every player is feeling loads of confidence now. With the next games being played at home at Target Center, expect the team to capitalize on that positive energy.
Related: The Timberwolves Continue Their Dominance Over the Nuggets
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This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 2:08 AM.