Minnesota Timberwolves legend Kevin Garnett is watching his team’s modern success by reinventing defense in today’s NBA. He lauded the Wolves’ defense after their 106-80 Game 2 win over the Nuggets, comparing their impact on defense to how the Warriors change offense in the NBA.
“This is the defensive version of what the Warriors did for offense when the league wasn’t ready! Defense that sells tickets!?”
The Nuggets had their lowest-scoring performance of the season in Game 2 of this series, as their 80 points put up is the lowest points tally of any team in a single game in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. This is the same team with a generational offensive talent who’s about to win his third MVP in four seasons and is the reigning Finals MVP.
The way Timberwolves have suffocated Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and the other Nuggets scorers is remarkable. The Lakers had shown the vulnerabilities in Denver’s offense but they lacked the consistency and execution to keep them down. That’s not the case with Minnesota, who are playing perfect team defense for 48 minutes.
Jokic ended the night with 16 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists. Jamal Murray was terrible offensively, putting up eight points on 3-18 shooting but grabbed 13 rebounds.
The Wolves pulled this performance off without Rudy Gobert in the lineup, which spells doom for the Nuggets as the presumed 2024 Defensive Player of the Year will return to the lineup in Game 3 after the birth of his first child.
Jamal Murray Threw A Heat Pack Onto The Court In Game 2
Game 2 has become controversial after Jamal Murray was seen throwing a heat pack onto the court in frustration in the second half. An action like this is extremely dangerous and could put Murray in danger of receiving a fine or a one-game suspension, which would certainly kill the Nuggets’ chances at a comeback in this series.
Jamal Murray threw a heat pack onto the court 😳 https://t.co/Iho8YW8Q0H
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 7, 2024
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was not happy at the incident, calling it inexcusable while sympathizing with the referees for not being able to call a technical at the moment.
“I didn’t see it happen… The referees didn’t see it either, so they’re unable to issue a technical unless they see it… It’s inexcusable and dangerous. I’m sure it was a mistake and an oversight, nothing intentional by the officiating, but certainly can’t allow that to happen.”
Coach Finch on Jamal Murray throwing the heat pack pic.twitter.com/Xxsr9hN8G4
— SneakerReporter (@SneakerReporter) May 7, 2024
The league likely will have to send a message to Murray for this action, especially because he also left the arena without speaking to the media. He had a rough night and should have brushed it off, but his reaction to this deficit is unlike someone who many have hailed as one of the most clutch players in the NBA.
We have seen 22 instances of the home team losing two home games in a row to open a series, with only four successful comebacks from that situation. It’ll be fascinating to see if Denver can bounce back given their championship pedigree, but their morale seems incredibly low after this loss.
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