The semifinal series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets witnessed multiple turnarounds, and there are still some actions left in the thriller of a series. Despite the Wolves taking an early two-game lead, the reigning champions showed why they are the team to beat by snatching the lead in the following three games. Just when it looked like the series was going to end in the Nuggets’ favor, the Minnesota side bounced back, leaving Nikola Jokic shell-shocked at the courtside.
The Nuggets center looked soaking in all the embarrassment of the utter dominance from the home side. He was seen observing the entire fourth quarter of the game standing near the team bench. On being asked about it in the press conference after the terrible loss, Jokic said, “Just to be warm so I can lift after.”
The Timberwolves came prepared to even the series, and it showed from the first quarter of the game, when they took a 17-point lead. Instead of just defending the deficit, they increased it and finished with a 115-70 win.
Jokic, who played for the first three quarters, scored 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists but didn’t get much help from Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon in putting up points on the scoreboard. When the win seemed improbable at the Target Center, he was sidelined to reserve his energy for the battle ahead.
During his absence, the Nuggets squad managed to add 9 points, whereas the Minnesota franchise ripped their defense by scoring 20 points. Following the game, Jokic met up with the press and thoroughly reviewed the events that unfolded.
Nikola Jokic Reflects on “Great Loss” Against T’Wolves
While the Nuggets believed they had the advantage in the game, the Wolves burst their bubbles and handed them an embarrassing loss, which their leader, Nikola Jokic had to accept.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
During the post-game presser, when the Serbian was asked to share his thoughts about the defeat and how to overcome it, he said, “I don’t think we should. It’s a great loss. They beat us. They destroyed us. I think it’s a great loss.” Acknowledging the Wolves’ supremacy, Jokic stated, “They beat our as*. They were better than us in every segment of the game. We need to accept it.”
Despite multiple criticisms of his MVP win, Jokic stepped up more often than not, and the same can be expected in the series decider. The teams will have one last chance on Sunday to redeem themselves, as the winner of the game will qualify for the Western Conference Finals.
