{"id":139676,"date":"2025-05-15T11:04:13","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T15:04:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=139676"},"modified":"2025-05-15T11:04:13","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T15:04:13","slug":"minnesota-timberwolves-denver-nuggets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/05\/15\/minnesota-timberwolves-denver-nuggets\/","title":{"rendered":"Timberwolves Can Start Rooting for the Denver Nuggets"},"content":{"rendered":"

Back in the Western Conference Finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves hope to take a step forward this year and make it to the NBA Finals. On the other side of the bracket, they wait for the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder\u2013Denver Nuggets series. And if they are being honest, the Timberwolves would much rather play the Denver Nuggets. It seems like they have their number.<\/p>\n

Timberwolves Can Start Rooting for the Denver Nuggets<\/h2>\n

Unlike last year, the Timberwolves will have a few days of rest before the start of the Western Conference Finals. Last year, they went through a gruelling seven-game series against the Nuggets, and three days later, they played the Dallas Mavericks. They were exhausted, mentally and physically, and were no match for Luka Doncic<\/a>. Despite the memories of that tough series against the Nuggets, they would still love to play them again. Let\u2019s take a look at the Timberwolves\u2019 matchup options against the Nuggets and the Thunder.<\/p>\n

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets, a One-Sided Matchup<\/h3>\n

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a six-game winning streak<\/a> against the Denver Nuggets going back to last year\u2019s playoffs. They were down 3-2, and then won two in a row. They even won Game 7 in Denver after being down 15 at halftime. This season, they won all four games. In their last matchup, Nikola Jokic<\/a> scored 61 points, but even that wasn\u2019t enough.<\/p>\n

Looking at Jokic specifically, there has been a lot of talk about how the Timberwolves were built to defeat Denver and defend the Joker. But this season, he posted averages<\/a> of 35.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists on 59.3% shooting against Minnesota. In his last 10 games<\/a> against Minnesota, he averaged 31.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 8.4 assists on 55.6% shooting. What the Timberwolves do great is defend Jokic without help, lowering his effectiveness as a passer and distributor.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Apr 1, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) grabs a rebound against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and forward Aaron Gordon (32) in overtime at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, an Even Matchup<\/h3>\n

In the last two seasons, OKC and Minnesota have split the season series<\/a>. Both teams have won at home and on the road, making it an extremely even matchup. In fact, the Timberwolves were one of the few teams in the Western Conference that had a positive or even record against the Thunder. OKC was also 2-2 against the Denver Nuggets<\/a> and 1-2 against the Golden State Warriors<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Going deeper into the Thunder\u2013Timberwolves matchup, here is an interesting fact. In both wins, Anthony Edwards<\/a> was not the leading scorer for Minnesota. Naz Reid<\/a> led them in one game, and Jaden McDaniels<\/a> led them in the other game. But in both games, they had 20+ points. In the two losses, Ant was the leading scorer for Minnesota.<\/p>\n

Can the Timberwolves Make it to the Finals?<\/h3>\n

Draymond Green<\/a> surely thinks so. Speaking after the loss, he said,<\/p>\n

\u201cThey got a chance. They got a real shot. Any time you’ve got a number two that can just go get it, you get yourself a chance to go make it happen and get a ring. The way Julius has been playing, since he came back from injury, he\u2019s been lights out. He\u2019s aggressive as hell, and he is going to go after it. So I think they got a real shot at it.\u201d<\/p>\n