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00:00:02And we welcome you into Denver, Colorado, mile high, the passion and the intensity of the NBA playoffs reaches another
00:00:13level when you're talking about division rivals.
00:00:16Three postseason meetings in four years between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
00:00:24And we welcome you inside Ball Arena alongside Austin Rivers, Brian Scalabrini, I'm Michael Brady, Grant Liffman joins us as
00:00:31well.
00:00:31Game two, Timberwolves-Nuggets. I'm going to start with you, Scal. From the Nuggets' perspective, they rode their stars in
00:00:37game one to victory.
00:00:37Yeah, unbelievable because we're talking about the Denver Nuggets all season long and where was their defense.
00:00:43It's been atrocious at times, but not in game one. That's how they won that game.
00:00:49They locked up Anthony Edwards, corralled him, made Minnesota play from the perimeter, and Minnesota seemed a little bit lost.
00:00:56Yeah, it's for Minnesota that Anthony Edwards didn't look like his normal assertive self in that game.
00:01:01They came up short trying to bounce back tonight.
00:01:03I think the key is them managing their emotions. How steady can we be? Can we be a next play
00:01:08team?
00:01:08You can't have the flows where you just go in a lull and just not play consistent, efficient Minnesota basketball.
00:01:15Not versus Denver, because you know Denver's going to get a good shot every possession with that guy Joker down
00:01:20there.
00:01:20So can you be the right temperament? Can you be a next play team?
00:01:24Doing that will lead to better, cleaner basketball play. Starting with Ant and Julius, it'll trickle down.
00:01:29Let's get to tonight's starting lineups brought to you by DoorDash.
00:01:33From Minnesota, Dante DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert.
00:01:40They have the fewest different starting lineups in the NBA this season.
00:01:43And as for the Nuggets, Jamal Murray, Christian Brown, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, and the MVP finalist, Nikola Jokic.
00:01:54Skal, you and Austin have both been a part of electric playoff atmospheres.
00:01:59And as we take a look at the coaches, just what is the intensity like?
00:02:03What are the emotions like moments before a big ball game?
00:02:06I think it's really interesting. This is the 30th time that this team has met since January 1st, 2023.
00:02:12They're really familiar with each other. There's probably some bad blood in there.
00:02:17But we're going to find out if there's some carryover.
00:02:20Are they going to be cool, calm, collected like the Denver Nuggets were, or are they going to lose their
00:02:25cool?
00:02:26And if the Denver Nuggets continue to execute and they can get Minnesota rattled, they're going to have a stranglehold
00:02:32on this series.
00:02:32Yeah, I agree. They have to continue to play.
00:02:34And you know, Minnesota's got to play faster, too.
00:02:36They have to find ways to get out and transition, make Nikola run, make Nikola be uncomfortable,
00:02:40try to force him in as many pick and rolls as possible.
00:02:42His usage rate is so high. It's one of the tops in the NBA.
00:02:45You want to keep that high level on defense, too. He's got to be active.
00:02:49So, you know, they also have to play and move the ball a little bit.
00:02:52These are things that have really hindered them in the past when that ball sticks.
00:02:55If they can start to move the ball, play faster, we can see maybe a win and a steal here.
00:03:00The chess match between the coaches, we'll be keeping an eye on that throughout this one.
00:03:06David Adelman, head coach of the Nuggets' first full season as Nuggets head coach,
00:03:13was an assistant coach, earned his stripes as an assistant under his father
00:03:17with the Minnesota Timberwolves 15 years ago.
00:03:22And Chris Finch, well, he was an assistant not long ago under Michael Malone with the Denver Nuggets.
00:03:27This is his sixth season as head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
00:03:31He's led the Timberwolves for the playoffs in each of the five full seasons
00:03:35as he's led the charge for Minnesota.
00:03:45Great atmosphere here at Ball Arena.
00:03:49As Scout mentioned, this is the 30th, the 30th meeting between these two franchises
00:03:56and the last four years.
00:04:00Our officials, Tony Brothers, alongside Mitchell Irvin and Determitis Metritis.
00:04:09And Game 2 is underway.
00:04:15Great atmosphere already.
00:04:17You can just feel it.
00:04:19Wolves got up to a fast start on Saturday as Randall can't hit his opening shot.
00:04:29Jokic wants to get a Finals MVP outside to Murray.
00:04:36The 5-1 pick and roll for a wide open shot to the hottest player in Game 1.
00:04:42And he was 0 for 8 from 3, had it going from Mitty.
00:04:46Edwards, the answer.
00:04:48All eyes are on Anthony Edwards.
00:04:51He has to play better than he did in Game 1.
00:04:53Absolutely.
00:04:54At 22 in Game 1, didn't shoot well from the floor.
00:04:59This is Cam Johnson, great look from deep, off the heel.
00:05:03Another guy who's really found his confidence as of late in the year.
00:05:06Had a really good Game 1, Cam Johnson.
00:05:12McDaniels, on the drive, toss out to Randall.
00:05:16Randall penetrating in the lane.
00:05:18Randall got the lane.
00:05:19That's what you want to see from Julius.
00:05:20Put it on the floor.
00:05:21If that jumper's not going early, let's see the ball go through the basket a couple times.
00:05:24And then you can stretch the game out a little bit.
00:05:27And Game 1, Denver left him wide open.
00:05:29Challenge him to shoot the 3.
00:05:32Nice pass.
00:05:33Brown.
00:05:34The finish off the feed from Gordon.
00:05:37You cannot turn your head on this Denver Nuggets team.
00:05:42They are a great cutting.
00:05:43They're a great cutting team.
00:05:45They're going to make you pay for sure.
00:05:48Devin Cinso can't hit from deep.
00:05:51Gordon the rebound.
00:05:52It's the challenge we're going to have.
00:05:55What type of shot quality are we going to get versus Denver?
00:06:12We welcome everyone who saw that thriller at the Garden.
00:06:16Atlanta taking down the Knicks in Game 2 to even up that series.
00:06:21Expected a good one here.
00:06:23Game 2.
00:06:25Nuggets-Timberwolves all knotted up at 5 in the early going.
00:06:28That's Randall.
00:06:29A swish from downtown.
00:06:31He was in the lab late last night.
00:06:33I caught him sneaking out of the hotel to get some late-night shots up.
00:06:37Good to see that first one go down for 3.
00:06:40And it was 7 of 16 from the floor in Game 1.
00:06:45Johnson out to Yogi.
00:06:49Murray.
00:06:50Little Hesse got to the rack.
00:06:52Turned it over.
00:06:54Edwards.
00:06:57And it looks like he's grimacing favoring that right name.
00:07:01Pass inside.
00:07:03Gobert.
00:07:04Size advantage over Johnson.
00:07:08Gobert.
00:07:09Tossed out to McDaniels.
00:07:12Shot clock winding down.
00:07:14McDaniels bottled up.
00:07:15Fires left at shorts.
00:07:17Tremendous defensive sequence.
00:07:20Gordon with the highlight throwdown.
00:07:24That's tough for Minnesota.
00:07:26They should have been going down on a fast break.
00:07:28Up against the shot clock.
00:07:30And give up two on the other end.
00:07:34Gordon with the bounce to himself.
00:07:39Randall another track.
00:07:40He's the key.
00:07:41He's the X Factor for me.
00:07:42You know, we talk about Ant.
00:07:43We talk about Jada and some of these other guys.
00:07:45But he's 1B.
00:07:46You saw what happened.
00:07:47He put that layup in.
00:07:48Now he's seen the ball go through the net a couple times.
00:07:50He's got a rhythm.
00:07:51He was 0 for 3 from downtown in game 1.
00:07:54He's knocked down two 3s already.
00:07:57And this is what we're keeping an eye on.
00:07:58Anthony Edwards.
00:08:00And some significant discomfort.
00:08:02Yeah, he gets hit right there by Jokic.
00:08:04Soon as he passed, grabs his V.
00:08:10McDaniels hard drive.
00:08:12Coughed it up.
00:08:14Cam Johnson coast to coast.
00:08:16Swatted at the rim.
00:08:18A foul is called.
00:08:20DiVincenzo raises his hand.
00:08:22But that's got to be a good sign for Minnesota.
00:08:25The fact that Anthony Edwards got back and challenged his shot.
00:08:28He wasn't grimacing or limping on that play.
00:08:32I think he's right here.
00:08:38Definitely got whacked right across the arm.
00:08:40You can see Ant telling DiVincenzo, let me go up there vertical with him.
00:08:44Make him finish over me.
00:08:47He's got his knee drained multiple times.
00:08:50So when you know that happens, it ends up kind of just feeling like a really big bruise.
00:08:53Every hit, every cut, every burst, you just feel it kind of wailing on you.
00:08:57He's going to have to play through that, though.
00:08:58That's tough.
00:09:00While we know anything can happen in a playoff series, history tells us that tonight's game
00:09:04could be critical in the series outcome.
00:09:07The Nuggets have never lost a playoff series.
00:09:098-0 when they take a two-game-to-none lead.
00:09:12And the Timberwolves, in their playoff history, they have failed to win a postseason series.
00:09:180-8 when they drop the first two games.
00:09:21You don't want to put that pressure on yourself.
00:09:23Like, you have to win game three.
00:09:25They could steal one tonight.
00:09:27Puts them back in the driver's seat.
00:09:29Edwards at the elbow.
00:09:31Over to Randall.
00:09:32Hot hand early.
00:09:33Spinning, firing, can't hit.
00:09:36Tipped up and off.
00:09:37And here comes Gordon for the Nuggets.
00:09:41Gordon sees the runway.
00:09:44Outside look for Brown.
00:09:46Three ball.
00:09:47Quarter pocket in front of the Timberwolves bench.
00:09:51They're spacing into lead.
00:09:52They're so calm on the weak side.
00:09:59McDaniels.
00:10:03Edwards now fires from deep.
00:10:05Off the march.
00:10:06Murray the ball.
00:10:10And the Wolves led by ten after one on Saturday.
00:10:14The Nuggets rally back after a big second quarter.
00:10:17We have a foul on the floor.
00:10:25All right, take a look at this drive.
00:10:27Look at the weak side.
00:10:28Look how patient they are.
00:10:30They move to space.
00:10:32Christian Brown wide open in the corner.
00:10:34Scout, aren't you encouraged to cut and be ready when you know the ball will come to you?
00:10:37Yeah, they all cut.
00:10:38They all pass.
00:10:39It's like Jokic has...
00:10:43Jokic has...
00:10:44Jokic has...
00:10:44Jokic has...
00:10:44Jokic has...
00:10:45I'm telling you.
00:10:45He's got a different swag about him right now.
00:10:48That Cam Johnson they traded for, it's starting to come into fruition for him.
00:10:52Yeah, he got a lot of heat early on in the season, but he's responded.
00:10:58Gobert, push shot, won't go.
00:11:03Nice pass.
00:11:04Brown hanging, count it, plus the foul.
00:11:09They turned up.
00:11:10They turned up in here.
00:11:14Timeout Minnesota.
00:11:17Denver right now doing everything right.
00:11:20Offensively spacing and running the four.
00:11:23Christian Brown with the and one.
00:11:26Denver in control early.
00:11:29We welcome you back to Mile High.
00:11:31It's a 17-11 advantage for the Nuggets.
00:11:35Approaching the midway mark of the opening quarter.
00:11:37Here inside Ball Arena, Michael Brady, Austin Rivers, Brian Scalabrini, Grant Liffman joins us as well.
00:11:42Electric atmosphere already, Scal, as the Nuggets off to a fast start.
00:11:46Yeah, they're shooting 75% from the field.
00:11:48They're getting anything they want.
00:11:50And Nikola Jokic hasn't even got going on the offensive end yet.
00:11:54That's scary.
00:11:54And right now for Minnesota, it's all about responding, right?
00:11:57Coming out of this timeout, are you executing?
00:11:59Can we get to the basket?
00:12:00Can we get to the free throw line?
00:12:02See if we can just slow this game down a little bit until we get full feel.
00:12:07Seems like it's Denver's way so far.
00:12:09And the early going looked like Anthony Edwards banged knees with Nikola Jokic, so he's been favoring that right knee,
00:12:16which kept him out of most of the last month of the regular season.
00:12:21As we have an offensive foul going against Dante DiVincenzo.
00:12:26They're running that Spain action where they try to screen the help.
00:12:31DiVincenzo looked like a pulling guard.
00:12:33Caused a little confusion.
00:12:36And DiVincenzo, who hit four three-pointers in game one, just picked up his second foul.
00:12:41Now he's going to take a seat, and Io DeSumo will check in for Minnesota.
00:12:49Seems like Minnesota needs some kind of spark right now.
00:12:52100%.
00:12:52And Io can score it, Bones can score it, but one way or another, if Andy Edwards is going to
00:12:58be lipping up the floor, they need another guy to put the ball in the hole.
00:13:04Yeah, the Nuggets shooting 75% so far in this first quarter.
00:13:10Jokic, yep, yet to attempt a shot.
00:13:13Outside looked.
00:13:15Murray for three.
00:13:16Front iron won't go, and Gobert, the board.
00:13:18Great job by Jenna McDaniels, hauling him up there.
00:13:23Edwards, working in traffic, gave it up to Nas Reed.
00:13:27Skip past the McDaniels in the corner.
00:13:29Fires, can't hit.
00:13:31Rebound, secured by Jokic.
00:13:36See how Nikola just clears it, gets the ball out of his hands.
00:13:40Hardaway, tough fade for two.
00:13:43Talk about a six-minute-a-year candidate right there.
00:13:46Man, Jokic processes at such a high level.
00:13:50Edwards split the defense and was held.
00:13:52But look how much help.
00:13:54Jokic is looking this way.
00:13:57By the time he glances over that ball, it's on time, on target.
00:14:01It's unbelievable how he could be looking one way and know exactly what's going on the other side of the
00:14:07floor.
00:14:08Tim, he didn't even, he shot that before he even had eye contact with the rim.
00:14:12High degree of difficulty.
00:14:16Nuggets up by nine.
00:14:20Low pass to reach, sets up the sumo.
00:14:23Baseline drive, the runner is long.
00:14:26There have been several shooting, 28% so far.
00:14:30That's because they're shooting, they're not getting inside the key to the defense.
00:14:36Good ball movement.
00:14:38Gordon, inside the elbow, can't hit.
00:14:41Dissoubo blinds the ladder for the ball.
00:14:47Nuggets has a size advantage.
00:14:50Edwards, long two, won't go.
00:14:53They are four for 15 in the early going.
00:14:59I don't even know how many paint touches they have.
00:15:01It's got to be less than three at this point.
00:15:04And Edwards picks up the foul.
00:15:07Much to the elation of this ball arena crowd.
00:15:11And Chris Finch looking for a spark will bring Bones Highland into the ball game.
00:15:20Why do they boo the guy?
00:15:21He is a former Nugget.
00:15:23I know.
00:15:24He left under good terms.
00:15:27He didn't play.
00:15:28When they boo you, they're really saying they love you.
00:15:30Yeah.
00:15:33Jokic.
00:15:35Sizing up Edwards.
00:15:37Over to Murray from D.
00:15:39Hits!
00:15:40Plus the foul.
00:15:41A four-point play opportunity for Murray,
00:15:45who depths up everyone in the first row.
00:15:47Yes, he does.
00:15:48He's feeling good.
00:15:49Everybody got a depth.
00:15:51And you see Nikola right here.
00:15:52He doesn't force anything.
00:15:53As soon as he sees a little bit of creep,
00:15:55he gets off it.
00:15:57And every one of their players knows,
00:15:59if Nikola Jokic is passing you the ball,
00:16:01he's already made the decision.
00:16:03Just go on up with it.
00:16:07Kirsten Brown said after game one
00:16:09that it's good to win a game when you don't feel like you played well.
00:16:12And one of the reasons the Nuggets don't feel like they played well
00:16:15is they didn't hit open shots.
00:16:16They were 1-for-17 from downtown in the second half.
00:16:20Well, they've knocked down four three-pointers already in this first period,
00:16:24and they're shooting 67% from the floor.
00:16:27And if you're Minneapolis right now,
00:16:28if you're the Timberwolves,
00:16:30we've got to get good quality shots right now.
00:16:32We're starting to fall behind.
00:16:33You do not want to get down big here in Denver.
00:16:35The elevation versus a team like this,
00:16:37it's very tough to come back.
00:16:38Let's get some good shots.
00:16:39Denver on a 17-0 run,
00:16:42and Randall can't end it.
00:16:45The sumo scoops it up.
00:16:48Shot clock reset.
00:16:49Nasri shaken up.
00:16:52Edwards through contact,
00:16:54and a foul is called.
00:16:56But I don't understand how that's not a shooting foul.
00:16:58What else was he doing with one second on the clock?
00:17:01It has to be a shooting foul, right?
00:17:02It has to be a shooting foul.
00:17:04What else was he doing?
00:17:07Nasri really paying up here
00:17:11on the glass.
00:17:13Randall, besides you.
00:17:16Yeah, see, they fixed it.
00:17:18Oh, that's got to be a shooting foul.
00:17:19Yeah, there's nothing else he's doing there.
00:17:21There it is.
00:17:22They changed it to a shooting foul.
00:17:24Teamwork makes the dream work.
00:17:27You have a veteran officiating crew.
00:17:29Tony Brothers is our crew chief.
00:17:3132nd year as an NBA official.
00:17:33This is his 218th postseason game as an official.
00:17:39And obviously, I didn't like the way he got to the line,
00:17:41but nonetheless, I'll take it.
00:17:43You just got to see the ball go through the net a couple times, man.
00:17:45Just get your feel involved in the game.
00:17:47He snaps a run of 17 unanswered for the Nuggets.
00:17:54Well, good things happen when you drive the ball.
00:17:56Julius Randall drove it.
00:17:57They got an offensive rebound.
00:17:59You got to hit the paint.
00:18:01You can't win games without hitting the paint.
00:18:08Jokic over to Murray.
00:18:10He had 30 in game one.
00:18:12Again!
00:18:14Deja vu for Murray.
00:18:19They at least the monster.
00:18:22Denver won a game.
00:18:23And they didn't play well.
00:18:24Murray didn't shoot the ball well.
00:18:26He is right now.
00:18:27Coming off those handbacks, rising up.
00:18:29Another four-point play opportunity.
00:18:35DiVincenzo had to go to the bench after picking up two fouls.
00:18:38DeSumo checked in.
00:18:39And fouls Murray twice beyond the arc.
00:18:4628.
00:18:48Minnesota 13.
00:18:56DeSumo over to Hyland.
00:18:59Hardaway got hits.
00:19:01And a skelly-selly from Hyland who knocks down the track.
00:19:04He could be huge for this team right now.
00:19:06You talk about a punch and a lift off the bench.
00:19:08Bones Hyland can provide that.
00:19:10Coach Adelman mentioned in our meeting.
00:19:12Bones is a dangerous player.
00:19:14They got to make sure to try to slow him down.
00:19:17Jokic all alone.
00:19:20Can't hit.
00:19:22And out of bounds.
00:19:23And then we'll go to Minnesota.
00:19:26And you know, listen, sometimes when your starters are down,
00:19:29the bench got to pick them up, especially in a pit layoff game.
00:19:31This is what you went outside, Nas Reed, for.
00:19:34And you got Bones Hyland and some of these guys.
00:19:36They can make a difference here and get back in this game.
00:19:38I wonder if Chris Finch will call Bones' number right here.
00:19:44Hyland over to Edwards.
00:19:46Curling to the rim.
00:19:47Goes Glass.
00:19:47They do not have shot blocking.
00:19:49This is one area where they know they can get to the rim
00:19:52and actually get something productive there.
00:19:54Nice job getting Anthony Edwards off the ball.
00:19:57Yes.
00:19:57Good call.
00:20:00Just the second two-point field goal of the ball game for Minnesota.
00:20:05Hardaway.
00:20:06Foul on a three.
00:20:08Yo, what's going on?
00:20:10I mean, at the foul.
00:20:12That was, clearly.
00:20:13You've got to be smarter than that.
00:20:17That's an emotional foul.
00:20:21The threes weren't falling in the second half on Saturday.
00:20:25The Nuggets making it rain in the opening quarter tonight.
00:20:33DraftKings player tracker, Anthony Edwards, Nikola Jokic, both around 28 points per contest this season.
00:20:40DraftKings number one sportsbook for live betting.
00:20:43To get in on the action, download the app and use promo code DUNK when you sign up.
00:20:49Edwards, during the timeout, to the official, they have four and one threes.
00:20:56Yes, they do.
00:20:58Four of them.
00:21:00This was number four.
00:21:03Hardaway fouled by Bones Highland.
00:21:07Hardaway was fouled on the three-pointer 21 times during the regular season.
00:21:12Completes another four-point play opportunity for the Nuggets.
00:21:17Murray had two of them already in this opening quarter.
00:21:21Reed from downtown.
00:21:23Ed won't go.
00:21:24Hits the top of the backboard.
00:21:26And here come the Nuggets the other way, nursing a 14-point advantage.
00:21:41Hand off to Hardaway.
00:21:43Hardaway with a long two.
00:21:44Won't go.
00:21:45Edwards, the board.
00:21:46Tough shot right there.
00:21:48Great defense.
00:21:51Edwards.
00:21:52Defended by Jones.
00:21:53Step back three.
00:21:54Left is short.
00:21:55Back tap.
00:21:56Out of bounds.
00:21:57Last touched by Nasri.
00:22:00Anthony Edwards is going to take a seat as Kyle Anderson checks in.
00:22:04Edwards acknowledged he was fatigued in the second half of game one.
00:22:09First meaningful minutes in about a month.
00:22:11First meaningful minutes in about a month.
00:22:12And playing at altitude couldn't have helped.
00:22:13And some of that pride sets in, you know, because he's a prideful guy.
00:22:17He starts chasing around Jamal Murray, which is great because you like to see your leader do that.
00:22:21But the responsibilities he has on offense to go with that, it's taxing.
00:22:27Under two minutes to go here in this opening frame.
00:22:32Brown in the lane, fouled by Hyland.
00:22:37And Brown will go to the line to shoot two.
00:22:39And Bones actually was in a decent position there.
00:22:41He bailed him out by just putting his hands down.
00:22:43Just go vertical and make him make a tough shot.
00:22:47How elated are you if you're the Denver Nuggets?
00:22:50You have a 14-point advantage.
00:22:52And Jokic is 0 for 1.
00:22:55That's crazy.
00:22:56I mean, Denver right now, their shot making is off the charts.
00:22:59Yeah.
00:23:02Brown can't hit the first free throw as we take a look at the upcoming playoff schedule.
00:23:07Peacock and NBCSN tomorrow.
00:23:0976ers at the Celtics for game two.
00:23:12NBC Peacock tomorrow.
00:23:13Blazers, Spurs, Rockets, Lakers.
00:23:16For more on these games, go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
00:23:19You mentioned Jokic.
00:23:21He has six assists that have led to 16 points.
00:23:25That's efficiency.
00:23:26Yeah.
00:23:30The sumo lines up a three that won't drop.
00:23:34And we'll have a foul.
00:23:35We'll keep it here.
00:23:36This is going against Spencer Jones.
00:23:41And Minnesota's going to have to make plays like this.
00:23:44It's going to have to junk it up, be ugly.
00:23:45Let's figure out a way to get back in this game and get every extra possession we can.
00:23:49Let's play off basketball.
00:23:51You've got to claw.
00:23:51You've got to scrape.
00:23:53You keep mentioning no shot blocking.
00:23:55They should drive the ball.
00:23:57They're just settling.
00:23:59Six, four, threes.
00:24:00Highland.
00:24:01A three.
00:24:01I don't mind if he shoots them, though.
00:24:03There's a few guys that can, but it's just right now everything is on the perimeter for Minnesota.
00:24:09Highland two for two from downtown.
00:24:11He was 0 for three in five minutes off the bench in game one.
00:24:15It's Jokic's first field goal of the night.
00:24:18That's ridiculous.
00:24:24Randall, attack mode.
00:24:26Too strong on glass.
00:24:28Out of bounds.
00:24:29And they'll keep it here.
00:24:36That's a great pass from Cam Johnson, but watch Jokic's body control.
00:24:41That's away from his body.
00:24:43No rim.
00:24:44Filthy.
00:24:50Headbound to Randall.
00:24:52And it's Kyle Anderson up top.
00:24:55Randall from deep.
00:24:57No.
00:24:58And out of bounds.
00:25:00Oh, the save by Hardaway.
00:25:02What a play.
00:25:04Highland the steal.
00:25:06Three on two.
00:25:08Highland offensive foul.
00:25:12That's going to get challenged.
00:25:15Hardaway with two outstanding plays for the Nuggets.
00:25:19And that's where you've got a three on one.
00:25:21Bones makes a great play on the ball.
00:25:23Keeps his head up.
00:25:24But then you've got to keep that head up, man.
00:25:26It's a three on one.
00:25:27Hit that trailer for a layup.
00:25:31That's a great save by Hardaway.
00:25:38Oh, I don't know about that one.
00:25:42Come on.
00:25:43That's playoff emotion right there.
00:25:45No doubt about that.
00:25:50Highland, who created a spark off the bench,
00:25:53knocking down a couple of threes,
00:25:54has picked up three fouls.
00:25:57Hardaway is fouled and will go to the line.
00:26:00And I don't want to see any complaining.
00:26:02Go to the basket, then.
00:26:03And you want to get a call?
00:26:04Then put the ball on the floor and go in the paint.
00:26:07Denver is putting the ball on the floor.
00:26:09They're driving.
00:26:10They're kicking.
00:26:10They're not forcing anything.
00:26:11They're getting good looks, letting the game come to them.
00:26:13Minnesota right now is just kind of dancing around the perimeter.
00:26:18Part of playing defense is having discipline, not the foul.
00:26:22Swiping down late on a shot.
00:26:25You've got to have discipline when you're guarding guys.
00:26:28A couple times you're in great position,
00:26:30and then swipe down at the last minute or foul on a three.
00:26:34That's all the mindset of finishing out of possession.
00:26:39Hardaway good at the line.
00:26:42Nuggets 9 for 10 at the free throw line.
00:26:45Meanwhile, Minnesota just 2 for 2 so far.
00:26:48And a lot of that do in part to settling for long-range attempts.
00:26:5411-second difference shot in game clock.
00:26:58Randall aggressive.
00:27:00And we'll go to the line for 2.
00:27:01What do you know?
00:27:02I want to see more of.
00:27:03What do you know?
00:27:05Put your head down sometimes.
00:27:06Get to the paint.
00:27:07We're going to say it for the 8th time tonight.
00:27:09They do not have shot blocking.
00:27:12It's like you've got to know the league.
00:27:15This series was a little chippy, so the officials want to control.
00:27:19They control the game by calling some fouls early on.
00:27:27See Nicola.
00:27:28He's coaching Brown over there.
00:27:34Brown takes a seat.
00:27:36Julius Randall, you see his shot chart in game 1.
00:27:40Much more effective when he was in the paint.
00:27:43He made it a concerted effort to get there in the second half.
00:27:46Of course, 0 for 3 from downtown.
00:27:481 for 3 in the mid-range.
00:27:55Randall's good at the line.
00:27:57He's in double figures.
00:27:59He's had a nice start to the game.
00:28:01Without him, this game would already be maybe out of reach.
00:28:08A second difference between the shot and game clock.
00:28:12Murray.
00:28:13Rolling to the rim.
00:28:14Beautiful feed.
00:28:16Gordon with the flush.
00:28:22Nicola's telling him to get up.
00:28:26Gobert.
00:28:27Tossed over to McDaniels.
00:28:29McDaniels with the lay.
00:28:30McDaniels with two tenths of a second remaining.
00:28:34Jokic with the heave.
00:28:35And that is a tremendous first 12 minutes for Denver.
00:28:38That was a hell of a play by Gobert.
00:28:40Yes, it was.
00:28:41At his size.
00:28:43All Denver in the first 12.
00:28:4639 points in the opening quarter.
00:28:48They lead by 14.
00:28:50You're watching NBA playoffs with anybody at Gobert.
00:28:54Oh, what a difference 48 hours makes.
00:28:57Denver down 10 after one on Saturday in game one.
00:29:01Tonight, they put up 39 points, up 14 as we start second quarter action here at Ball Arena.
00:29:08Michael Grady, Austin Rivers, Brian Scalabrini, Grant Liffman.
00:29:13Fast start for the Nuggets.
00:29:16Shot 67% on the floor in the first 12.
00:29:20Hardaway.
00:29:21Got a three.
00:29:22It's a big time shot, man.
00:29:24Huge.
00:29:25I mean, he had that ball placed on the right side of his body.
00:29:28It wasn't even a squared up jump shot.
00:29:30One of the three finalists for sixth man of the year, Tim Hardaway Jr.
00:29:35Edwards stops.
00:29:36Pops left it short.
00:29:38Ballantunas the ball.
00:29:40He took on three guys on that possession.
00:29:46Murray.
00:29:47Nice handsy.
00:29:48Murray the floater.
00:29:49He's so crafty, Indy.
00:29:52The Nuggets outscored the Wolves 16-10 in the non-Yokic minutes in the first half on Saturday.
00:29:58Off to a fast start here in the second.
00:30:02Oh, nice snatch back.
00:30:04Edwards.
00:30:04Bottoms.
00:30:05My goodness.
00:30:08If Anthony Edwards wants to score, that's what they're going to have to do.
00:30:12There were four guys in the paint looking at Edwards.
00:30:15There's nowhere for him to drive.
00:30:17He has to make tough threes.
00:30:19That was tough.
00:30:20This is the quietest this building has been in a while.
00:30:25Murray.
00:30:26Long two.
00:30:27Left it short.
00:30:28Battle for the rebound is snagged by Reed.
00:30:30That's what you've got to do right now.
00:30:32Let Jaden Gardner, you know, him one-on-one.
00:30:35Edwards to the rack.
00:30:36And an offensive foul is called.
00:30:41They called it on Gobert.
00:30:44And Gobert, the lack of arguing from Gobert lets me think he's guilty.
00:30:48Let's see here.
00:30:49Oh, yeah.
00:30:50Oh, yeah.
00:30:51Oh, yeah.
00:30:53Why do that?
00:30:54Anthony Edwards can elevate over anybody.
00:30:57And he had a full head of steam.
00:30:58I mean, these plays are killing him right now.
00:31:01Johnson.
00:31:02No.
00:31:03Valanchunas.
00:31:05Grabbed it with one arm.
00:31:07Fouled by Gobert.
00:31:09And that is two fouls.
00:31:11Gobert went the first quarter without picking up a foul.
00:31:13Picks up two fouls here.
00:31:16In the first two minutes of the second quarter.
00:31:23And Valanchunas thinks it's a shooting foul.
00:31:26Minnesota's not doing themselves any favors here.
00:31:29They're disciplined at the start of this game.
00:31:31It's like a crowd and everything.
00:31:33And the moment seems to be a little bit too big for them right now.
00:31:36You just want them to settle down.
00:31:38Let's just settle down.
00:31:41Murray rolling.
00:31:43High-arching finger roll won't go.
00:31:45Murray the offensive board.
00:31:46Johnson.
00:31:47No.
00:31:48And DiVincenzo getting up for the rebound.
00:31:51Well, you know he'll fight.
00:31:56Edwards trying to get rolling.
00:31:58Saddled by Murray.
00:31:59Look at all the eyes on Edwards.
00:32:01Edwards the step-throw and got the lay with the left.
00:32:05This lineup is vulnerable even more than the first lineup in terms of getting to the basket.
00:32:09I want Andy to just live in the paint.
00:32:12Pits a 10 in there.
00:32:13We can get to the jump shot later.
00:32:16Edwards now with 12.
00:32:19Without the ball in Jamal's hands.
00:32:21This is a team that's vulnerable as well.
00:32:23Look for me.
00:32:24They got one playmaker on the floor right now.
00:32:30And Andy did a great job here.
00:32:32But looked like possibly a loss in possession.
00:32:34Great patience and a nice little step-through.
00:32:40Hardaway driving, firing, off the mark.
00:32:44And here comes Edwards.
00:32:45Living all of us.
00:32:50Edwards almost had his pocket picked.
00:32:54Those are two ferocious competitors right there.
00:32:57Edwards this shot in the look like, what's he doing?
00:33:02Wait a minute.
00:33:04You don't know who you're dealing with here, man.
00:33:09Bruce Brown used to play my pickup games in Boston.
00:33:15Swing it to Reed.
00:33:17Reed, the Euro, count it, and put him on the line.
00:33:21And did a great job there.
00:33:23As soon as he saw two, get the ball out of your hands.
00:33:26Trust your teammates to swing that ball around.
00:33:27Finds Nas Reed on a closeout.
00:33:30And he's got guard-like skills.
00:33:31Get to the paint.
00:33:33You can see they're doing it right now.
00:33:34Look, you got two.
00:33:35Get off it.
00:33:36Swing.
00:33:37Swing.
00:33:38It's simple.
00:33:39Simple offense.
00:33:41And he did settle.
00:33:42He drove the ball.
00:33:44Gobert, the offensive boy.
00:33:46Edwards attacking.
00:33:47Off balance.
00:33:49Won't go.
00:33:50But Edwards will shoot two.
00:33:52Yes.
00:33:53You see that 10?
00:33:54They're starting to pitch it right now.
00:33:56They're starting to live in that paint, getting a steady diet of it.
00:33:59How long do they go without Jokic?
00:34:02Every second seems like five minutes, doesn't it?
00:34:04You know, the offensive quality and how it drops when he's not in the game is remarkable.
00:34:15Minnesota has a chance, if he makes this, to be down 10.
00:34:18And they haven't even taken advantage of drive, kick, extra pass, wide open three yet.
00:34:26These guys are like when Andy Edwards is driving.
00:34:29He's scoring on three Denver Nuggets.
00:34:31Yeah.
00:34:33Left that short.
00:34:36And a lane violation, so it'll be.
00:34:39Well, let's see what the call is.
00:34:40Denamitis, Petritus.
00:34:46And I think he's calling a foul on Rudy Gobert.
00:34:50That's going to be his third.
00:34:58I don't like that.
00:34:59Yeah, that's, that's.
00:35:05Got a technical?
00:35:06What's going on here?
00:35:06Yeah, I mean, the face guard block out is an automatic call.
00:35:10I mean, Gobert did throw him.
00:35:12But any time you face guard block out a guy, you're going to get called.
00:35:16So they call a loose ball foul on Rudy Gobert, that's his third, and a technical on Jonas Valanciunas for
00:35:23that push.
00:35:26Take another look at it here.
00:35:27That's the foul, and that's the tech?
00:35:31Well, that's, yeah, that's light, man.
00:35:33Come on, that's the playoffs.
00:35:34He's grown men out here.
00:35:37That's, that's light weight.
00:35:39I did that exact push last week at LA Fitness.
00:35:43No call, right?
00:35:44No call.
00:35:45No call.
00:35:50Both teams go small.
00:35:52So the Wolves get a point off of the Valanciunas technical, but they, they lose in that exchange because Gobert
00:35:58now has to take a seat.
00:35:59Yeah, but they'll go small right now.
00:36:00Yeah, and they go out with Valanciunas.
00:36:03So what you're going to see now is a lot of switching.
00:36:05This is where pride's going to have to come in.
00:36:07You're going to have to guard your man right now because you're going to get switched on a guy who
00:36:10might be a little bit bigger.
00:36:12It's going to be one through five switch.
00:36:15Number 15 is going to be second into the ball game soon for the Nuggets.
00:36:18Murray.
00:36:20Look at Jadam Davis' hound.
00:36:23He's solid.
00:36:24Gordon, the back down on McDaniels, and a foul is called.
00:36:28Hey, see, we got to get control of this.
00:36:34I think they're worried about the game getting chippy because it's just not a playoff foul.
00:36:41Yeah, come on.
00:36:43Come on.
00:36:43Come on.
00:36:45And an offensive foul is called on Spencer Jones.
00:36:55I feel like the whistles are adding to the animosity.
00:36:58Yeah, you're right.
00:37:12He's a double.
00:37:14There you go.
00:37:14Nice pass.
00:37:15Randall got two.
00:37:18Timeout different.
00:37:19That's good basketball right there.
00:37:21Ant-Man drew two, and it made the right play.
00:37:24And the Timberwolves start moving the ball.
00:37:2811 unanswered points for the Minnesota Timberwolves trying to claw back into this game.
00:37:37Now receive, and that's exactly what we asked for, is this team to get to the paint.
00:37:42You saw this in game one as them loading and putting two in the ball.
00:37:45Look at Bruce Brown just sitting there.
00:37:47Julius Randall makes a conscious decision to clear.
00:37:49It clears this slot drive, forcing Bruce to look.
00:37:53Look at Bruce now.
00:37:53Now that nail opens up just a little bit more.
00:37:56So now when he gets two, it's now a two-on-one on the backside.
00:38:00Easy pass pass.
00:38:01That's how they're going to generate good offense.
00:38:06Jokic back out there for the Nuggets.
00:38:09Nuggets were outscored 11-5 with Jokic on the bench.
00:38:15Murray, easy deuce.
00:38:18That's hard because if you try to square him up and you go to the step back,
00:38:22you're not getting back to that shot.
00:38:25What a season for Jamal Murray.
00:38:26First-time All-Star.
00:38:28One of the finalists for Clutch Player of the Year.
00:38:30Nice pocket pass.
00:38:32Randall!
00:38:33They're putting Nicola in pick and rolls right now, attacking that paint.
00:38:36That's five possessions in a row.
00:38:38They've gotten to the paint.
00:38:39They've gotten good things out of it.
00:38:40Stars stepping up for Minnesota.
00:38:42Edwards and Randall.
00:38:4328 of their 38 points.
00:38:46Murray, two more.
00:38:48See Jamal say, it don't matter.
00:38:58Edwards.
00:38:59Over to Randall.
00:39:02Devin Cinzo open from downtown.
00:39:05Can't let that guy get a good look.
00:39:06He's about as automatic as they come, especially with space and time.
00:39:12This is Brown to the rack, missing the layup.
00:39:15Our Grant Liffman was in the Minnesota huddle during that last timeout.
00:39:19Grant?
00:39:19Yeah, guys.
00:39:20It was a very spirited huddle.
00:39:22And Ant Edwards was trying to get all his guys to rally them and get them all inspired
00:39:26as Nuggets here.
00:39:27Jamal Murray pulls up and misses the shot.
00:39:29But they were very optimistic despite the early struggles early on.
00:39:32And head coach Chris Finch, and I'm going to save a few curse words here.
00:39:35He said, despite all the stuff earlier, we're back in this, guys.
00:39:38We are back in this.
00:39:40Count it, plus the foul from Jaden McDaniels.
00:39:44They are indeed back in this.
00:39:47Pain, pain, pain.
00:39:48That's what Minnesota needs to do.
00:39:51It's a significant difference in settling for all those jumpers.
00:39:54The ball movement is crisp.
00:39:56The pain attacks are there.
00:39:58It's almost as if the light bulb went off.
00:40:01They're like, oh, okay, yeah.
00:40:02We can lift down here.
00:40:04There's a reason.
00:40:05Of all the playoff teams, the Denver Nuggets have the worst defensive rating.
00:40:11They were 22nd in defense this year.
00:40:14Their rim protection at times was awful.
00:40:16So you should try to challenge that defense.
00:40:20Murray, no good.
00:40:22Edwards got up to the board, collides with Murray.
00:40:24No whistle, and a late whistle is going against Murray.
00:40:31That was late, but it's a loose ball foul.
00:40:36And Edwards, who only played in three of the last 14 regular season games for the Wolves,
00:40:42with that right knee.
00:40:44And right now just taking a little breather.
00:40:47So much is being asked of him to not only generate offense,
00:40:51but he's got to chase around Jamal.
00:40:55Proud reacting to the replay as Edwards sliding into Murray.
00:41:02First foul on Murray, and we're going to have a challenge.
00:41:07Oh, I don't know about that one.
00:41:09It's going to be a tough one to win.
00:41:12Adelman challenging the call.
00:41:14Successful challenge for David Adelman,
00:41:16but not the success that he was hoping for.
00:41:18The call on the floor was a foul on Jamal Murray,
00:41:20but you see here Aaron Gordon with a push on Edwards into Murray.
00:41:26And so Tony Brothers, after taking a look at the monitor,
00:41:29changed the foul from Murray to Gordon.
00:41:33And in doing so, it's a successful challenge for David Adelman.
00:41:38Just not exactly what he was expecting.
00:41:40In turn, it's now two fouls on Aaron Gordon.
00:41:45DeSumo steps into a three.
00:41:46It's good.
00:41:47And we have a one-possession ball game.
00:41:51The Timberwolves have battled back from a 19-point deficit.
00:41:57Murray, full head of steam.
00:41:58Toss out.
00:41:59Aaron Gordon clicks the wrist.
00:42:01Can't hit.
00:42:03Rebound.
00:42:04Secured by Edwards.
00:42:08Wolves can tie or take the lead.
00:42:13Edwards.
00:42:15And the lane.
00:42:16Step through.
00:42:17Fouled by Jokic.
00:42:19It's going to be the second foul on Jokic.
00:42:22He's got the right idea.
00:42:23He's laboring a little bit right now.
00:42:26Keep slicing.
00:42:27Keep dicing.
00:42:28You see he's just coming off these pick and rolls sharp.
00:42:31Little split right there.
00:42:33Loses it.
00:42:33Does a great little gather step to get that foul.
00:42:36You just don't know what to expect when these two teams get together.
00:42:40Minnesota battling back from 19 down.
00:42:44And a chance to tie it up.
00:42:46The NBA playoffs presented by Google continue with game two between the Sixers and the Celtics tomorrow.
00:42:53Cover starts at 6 Eastern on NBC and Peacock with tip at 7-12.
00:43:02And they're going to go.
00:43:02Rudy Gobert picks up his back.
00:43:04It's in foul trouble.
00:43:05They go small.
00:43:06They attack the rim.
00:43:08Their offense looks completely different.
00:43:10Yeah.
00:43:13Jokic couldn't control it.
00:43:15And somehow finds Jokic at the elbow.
00:43:20Eight on the shot clock.
00:43:22Brown penetrating outside.
00:43:24Gordon New.
00:43:26Great job by Minnesota just putting out fires.
00:43:29They're scrambling.
00:43:30Not everything's going to be perfect.
00:43:33Wolves haven't led since it was 11-9.
00:43:36Edwards.
00:43:37Hand game.
00:43:38Edwards for two.
00:43:41The acrobatics from Edwards gives Minnesota the lead.
00:43:47Jokic's inside.
00:43:48And that's a goaltend.
00:43:51McDaniels with the help defense.
00:43:53Got it on the way down.
00:43:57How's that knee of Anthony Edwards?
00:43:59It looks good right here.
00:44:00Hit him with the in-and-out crossover.
00:44:01And then here, just a little bit of hang time.
00:44:04Elevation looks fine for him.
00:44:06Last four possessions.
00:44:08Minnesota is getting Jokic in all the pick-and-roll coverages.
00:44:12Edwards has 10 in the second quarter alone.
00:44:1517 for the game.
00:44:17Edwards sees a double.
00:44:19Good ball movement.
00:44:20DeSumo finds Steven.
00:44:22Tenzo for three.
00:44:23He not missing to be open.
00:44:26That thing didn't even hit the rim.
00:44:28Minnesota 52.
00:44:30Denver 50.
00:44:36Jokic's.
00:44:41Randall with the assignment.
00:44:43Outside to Murray.
00:44:44Yes.
00:44:45Huge shot.
00:44:46Yes, it was.
00:44:47They were bleeding a little bit the last minute or two.
00:44:52They're going back to this little match-up zone here.
00:44:55Watch Steven Chenzo.
00:44:58We've got a battle at mile high.
00:45:00Randall over to Edwards.
00:45:02Edwards wants three.
00:45:04Yes, sir.
00:45:05That time they put two on Julius Randall.
00:45:09Makes the right play.
00:45:10The ball movement at Minnesota had bigger difference in the second quarter.
00:45:15Jokic's just three shot attempts so far in the first half.
00:45:19Battling with Randall.
00:45:21And the three-time MVP fouled on the floor.
00:45:31See right here.
00:45:32And could have forced a little fadeaway.
00:45:34No.
00:45:34Finds Julius.
00:45:35Swing, swing.
00:45:36Good to great offense.
00:45:40And it's amazing how that rim gets a little bit bigger
00:45:44after you've seen that ball go through the basket a couple times.
00:45:46A couple drives, a couple layups, a couple free throws.
00:45:49Ant-Man finds himself in a little bit of a rhythm.
00:45:52I was wondering, with Denver's defense in game one,
00:45:56was it gimmick or was it substance?
00:45:58And the way that they guarded, everyone was talking about,
00:46:01oh, they're...
00:46:03Oh, Johnson!
00:46:03Johnson!
00:46:05Get it up!
00:46:14Tied up.
00:46:15Double nickel.
00:46:17Randall, off balance.
00:46:18Will go to the line to shoot two.
00:46:23Just a breakdown defensively for Minnesota.
00:46:28Cameron Johnson.
00:46:29Aggressive.
00:46:31That's the luxury of getting a handoff from Nicola.
00:46:33You know the big's not going to help.
00:46:35So you can come off that hard.
00:46:37You come off that screen, that handoff, you're wide open.
00:46:41First playoff basketball action from Cam Johnson
00:46:44since 2023 when he was in Brooklyn.
00:46:47Of course, was part of the finals run for the Phoenix Suns back in 2021.
00:46:52As we take a look at tonight's DraftKings player tracker, Anthony Edwards.
00:46:58Average test under 29 points per game during the regular season.
00:47:02Jokic just under 28.
00:47:03We'll average in the triple-double for the second straight year.
00:47:06DraftKings number one sports book for live betting.
00:47:09To get in on the action, download the app, and use promo code DUNK when you sign up.
00:47:16Julius Randall has the Nicola Jokic matchup.
00:47:19He's so engaged defensively, but it's also helped him on the offensive end.
00:47:29Jokic can't hit.
00:47:31Conley the board.
00:47:32The Wolves have outscored the Nuggets 31-16 here in the second quarter.
00:47:41Randall outside to Conley.
00:47:43Touch pass to Reed.
00:47:45Good from downtown.
00:47:47We told you, they just needed to settle down a little bit.
00:47:50They've done it now.
00:47:58Gordon fouled by Nas Reed.
00:48:05Julius did a great job here realizing the size advantage of the mismatch.
00:48:09He was baiting the defense the entire time to swing that ball,
00:48:12knowing they would come help him.
00:48:14Again, good to great.
00:48:17How about 17 assists on 20 made field goals for Minnesota?
00:48:21And we didn't see a lot of that.
00:48:23When they were good, they were moving the ball in the first quarter.
00:48:26But there were some bad possessions there.
00:48:32Hardaway provided a spark in the first quarter.
00:48:36He had 11 points on three of five shooting.
00:48:39He checks back in for Cam Johnson.
00:48:43What a turnaround.
00:48:45This is one of the more underrated rivalries in the NBA.
00:48:5030th meeting between these two teams in the last four years.
00:48:54Third postseason meeting in the last four years.
00:48:57And so many players have actually gone from team to team.
00:49:00You know, you've had some interchange there.
00:49:03A lot of connections between these two squads.
00:49:07This is Edwards.
00:49:08Under three minutes to go.
00:49:11You can argue the man that's built both teams, Tim Conley.
00:49:14Tim Conley drafted Nikola Jokic.
00:49:17Drafted Jamal Murray.
00:49:18Traded for Aaron Gordon.
00:49:19Was the team president of the Nuggets for nine years before he made his way to Minnesota
00:49:24to try to build a Denver killer.
00:49:28We've got a whale of a ball game at mile high.
00:49:33We've had a big hand in building both of these two contenders.
00:49:37Tim Conley, president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves,
00:49:41spent nine years as team president of the Nuggets,
00:49:44drafted Jokic and Murray, trading for Aaron Gordon.
00:49:48The Nuggets won a championship the year after Conley left
00:49:52to join the Minnesota Timberwolves.
00:49:562.50 to go in the second quarter.
00:49:59Randle saw an opening, got the lay.
00:50:03Randle's been awesome in this second quarter.
00:50:06Both sides of the ball, scoring it, getting guys involved, moving it,
00:50:10just playing, making simple plays, but making them look easy.
00:50:16Minnesota by six.
00:50:18Swallowed it out of there by Edwards.
00:50:21Yoke it straight on three.
00:50:23Won't go.
00:50:24Rebound to Sumo.
00:50:26Pass ahead to Randle.
00:50:28The Sumo lost it out of bounds.
00:50:31And waiting on a whistle.
00:50:34And they're going to say it stays with Minnesota.
00:50:38How about the Sumo with the outlet and then beat everybody down the floor?
00:50:43And it was challenging Finch to review it like this was an obvious foul.
00:50:47Great help side by Ant.
00:50:54Edwards had 22 in game one, has 20 so far tonight.
00:51:01Pass out.
00:51:02Brown got a hand on it.
00:51:03Seven on the shot clock.
00:51:05Pass ahead to the Sumo.
00:51:07The Sumo to the rim.
00:51:08He's the blur.
00:51:09Yes, he was right downhill.
00:51:12No wasted movement.
00:51:15Wolves by eight.
00:51:17And the largest lead of the night.
00:51:18The energy had shifted.
00:51:22Gordon along two.
00:51:24Front iron no.
00:51:28Wolves have scored on ten straight possessions.
00:51:35Edwards one-string.
00:51:38It's a good look though.
00:51:38I don't mind that.
00:51:42Jokic's yet to really get going.
00:51:44Just two for five.
00:51:51He does have seven assists and five boards, but just six shot of ten.
00:51:56But high IQ played by Denver going side to side and Jokic getting two feet in that restricted area.
00:52:03Nas Reed.
00:52:04No.
00:52:06You see Fitz, he just looked at Nas Reed and said, drive him.
00:52:11We've got him back in the game.
00:52:13Here's Gordon.
00:52:14Step through.
00:52:15Out to Hardaway.
00:52:17Yes.
00:52:19Automatic.
00:52:21And you can't leave him wide open.
00:52:25Nuggets looking for a flurry to close the second quarter.
00:52:30A quarter that's been dominated by the Wolves.
00:52:32Defend!
00:52:35Defend!
00:52:37Defend!
00:52:39Defend!
00:52:40Four seconds.
00:52:41Randall.
00:52:43And over on the top of the backboard.
00:52:47It'll be Denver Bowl in a one-possession game.
00:52:49You might think that's a bad shot, but they still get the two-for-one out of it.
00:52:53Maybe they didn't feel like they could drive with Jokic at the basket.
00:52:56Minnesota will get another possession.
00:53:00The veteran Mike Connolly takes his seat.
00:53:05The Super Bowl also checks out of the ballgame.
00:53:08Six-second difference between the shot and game clock.
00:53:14Murray has 20 points himself in these first two quarters.
00:53:21Jokic.
00:53:21Pass outside.
00:53:23Brown.
00:53:24Can't hit.
00:53:25DiVincenzo chases it down.
00:53:27And the Wolves can hold for the final shot of the second quarter.
00:53:31Great heads-up play by DiVincenzo.
00:53:32Let's get the last shot here to close this half.
00:53:35Edwards.
00:53:38And he traveled.
00:53:42Yeah, DiVincenzo's got to lift out of that corner a lot faster.
00:53:45Randall, he rolled to the basket.
00:53:48DiVincenzo could have been wide open for a three.
00:53:50I think he's almost expecting him there.
00:53:53Kind of premeditated that pass.
00:53:55Expecting that guy to be there.
00:53:56DiVincenzo could have got an open three for sure.
00:54:01Here, Minnesota, this is what we talked about with the emotions, though.
00:54:04Let's just close this half.
00:54:05No cheap fouls.
00:54:09Murray.
00:54:10Two seconds.
00:54:11Murray the heat.
00:54:12Murray!
00:54:17He does this religiously, man.
00:54:19I mean, he makes these shots all the time.
00:54:27Minnesota should have guarded him.
00:54:28They've got to know that in the playoffs.
00:54:31We said it's one of the best rivalries in the NBA.
00:54:35It's probably the best.
00:54:37Nuggets outscore the Wolves 39-25 in the opening quarter.
00:54:42Wolves outscore the Nuggets 39-25 in the second period.
00:54:47After 24 minutes, we're tied at 64.
00:54:56Brent Liffman.
00:54:58All right.
00:54:59Tim, what a crazy half.
00:55:01You guys were up 19 early.
00:55:03They stormed back in the second quarter.
00:55:05What changed quarter to quarter?
00:55:07Game of runs, man.
00:55:09Just got to figure out how to weather the storm this second half.
00:55:13Get stops.
00:55:14When we had the lead, cherish it.
00:55:16You had a crazy sequence there where you go in and you dive for the ball.
00:55:21You throw it back.
00:55:22You get a charge.
00:55:23You go the other way.
00:55:24Get to the line.
00:55:25What's going through your head?
00:55:26What are the emotions in this one?
00:55:27Just trying to make winning plays, man.
00:55:29Just trying to be more assertive, more effective this game than last.
00:55:32And just trying to put my stamp on it.
00:55:34All right.
00:55:35Best of luck.
00:55:36Let's go back to Maria Taylor in the studio.
00:55:53At the half.
00:55:56All right.
00:55:57So in Mile High, we've got some fireworks.
00:56:00Jamal Murray knocking down that three, going into the locker room, tying that bad boy up,
00:56:04and talking his stuff on his way out.
00:56:06Welcome back into the studio, Maria Taylor.
00:56:09Alongside the Hall of Famers, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and Carmelo Anthony.
00:56:13Listen, we have been sitting here through two games already, and a great fireworks also at MSG.
00:56:19We just want to say that the scoreboard showed a timeout that the Knicks did not have on the final
00:56:24play,
00:56:24but due to a data issue, the wrong timeout information was communicated,
00:56:27so that's why you see a timeout on this score bug.
00:56:295.6 seconds left.
00:56:30Josh Hart gets the rebound off the McCullough miss.
00:56:33Mikael Bridges misses the baseline jumper.
00:56:36And ultimately, it's a sad Timmy.
00:56:38It's a sad Jimmy.
00:56:39And the Hawks were down 12 going into the fourth quarter.
00:56:41Somehow walk away with the victory.
00:56:43Carmelo's head was down.
00:56:44He had to touch the monitor to even really believe what had happened in this Knicks game.
00:56:48Walk me through the collapse that the Knicks suffered towards the end of this game.
00:56:51Well, I was touching the screen because I was under the impression that there was a timeout, so.
00:56:56I got you.
00:56:56Thank you for correcting that.
00:56:58It just wasn't supposed to happen.
00:57:00Tonight was a letdown.
00:57:02You know, the Knicks usually, they're going into the fourth quarter, double-digit league.
00:57:07They're closing that game.
00:57:09This was a tough loss going at home, going to Atlanta with two games in Atlanta.
00:57:15Momentum swinging to Atlanta.
00:57:19But my hat goes out to C.J. McCollum tonight.
00:57:22C.J. took the challenge.
00:57:25He showed up.
00:57:26He put Atlanta on his back.
00:57:27He became the villain tonight.
00:57:29And he closed the game.
00:57:29Game high 32 points.
00:57:31Their game high 32 points.
00:57:32And for him to play that way, game two, Atlanta Hawks, this game could be the deciding fact on which
00:57:40way Atlanta goes.
00:57:41And C.J. put the Hawks on his back.
00:57:43So you got to take your hat off to C.J. today.
00:57:46Sure.
00:57:47This is not good, New York.
00:57:49This loss is not good for us today.
00:57:51Mm-hmm.
00:57:52Real quick.
00:57:53I love what the Hawks did down the stretch.
00:57:55They didn't allow J.B. to beat them.
00:57:57Jalen Bronson.
00:57:58They got the ball out of his hands.
00:57:59They double-teamed him.
00:58:01And they made things happen.
00:58:01Quinn Snyder.
00:58:02Quinn Snyder.
00:58:03That's what we're talking about.
00:58:04We was waiting for him.
00:58:05Quinn Snyder.
00:58:07So ultimately, it's the Hawks that get the victory in MSG.
00:58:11Sad fans leaving the Garden.
00:58:13Sorry, Jalen.
00:58:13Ooh, Jalen.
00:58:15You can get one in Atlanta.
00:58:16I feel your pain, man.
00:58:17I feel the pain.
00:58:18At the Half is brought to you by the powerful backing of American Express.
00:58:25All right.
00:58:26Your Game You Can Trust presented by American Express is ultimately the tale of two halves.
00:58:30Denver won the first quarter, 39, or two quarters, so my bad.
00:58:33Denver won the first quarter, 39 to 25.
00:58:35Minnesota got down by as many as 19, but they shot 70% and went 6 for 9 from 3
00:58:41in the second quarter.
00:58:42So that's the difference.
00:58:43We're all tied up because each one claimed a quarter.
00:58:46Let's get into the difference that maybe we'll see in the second half, V.C.
00:58:50What are you looking for?
00:58:51I mean, they're superstars.
00:58:52Anthony Edwards got going, and then Julius Randle followed suit.
00:58:55So, I mean, my thing now going into the second half, they're going to try to take Anthony Edwards away,
00:59:00slow Julius Randle down.
00:59:01Who else is going to step up and give them some more offense?
00:59:03Because those two are not going to be able to do it, particularly in the third quarter.
00:59:07You want to find somebody to ease the pressure off of them so they can be those superstars in the
00:59:12fourth quarter.
00:59:13I think just with Denver, you know, you got a 19-point lead, and you got careless, and you got
00:59:19away from what, you know, you built that, how you built that 19-point lead.
00:59:23They got to get back to that.
00:59:24You got to get back to that, executing, and really just staying engaged.
00:59:27I thought they got away from that.
00:59:30Joke on the third quarter.
00:59:32Smart.
00:59:33You know what I mean?
00:59:34Like, honestly, this is where Minnesota season actually starts right now because this second half is going to decide where
00:59:41Minnesota goes from here.
00:59:42Particularly their defense.
00:59:43Their defense.
00:59:43When you talk about, you know, a banged-up Minnesota, Anthony Edwards been dealing with some injuries.
00:59:48Yeah.
00:59:49They there.
00:59:49They worked their way back.
00:59:50They took the lead.
00:59:51Jamal Murray closed the half out.
00:59:53But it's a good second half coming along.
00:59:55The Joker only has six points in that first half.
00:59:57By the way, he had six points in game one.
00:59:59He finished with 25, so we know it's coming.
01:00:01It's coming.
01:00:01It's coming.
01:00:01It's coming.
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