The Minnesota Timberwolves had won four straight games and six of their last seven after beating the Sacramento Kings again on Friday.
But that success was built upon one of the softest schedules an NBA team will play this season. The combined records of the teams Minnesota beat in those six games is 12-38.
Still, the Wolves were playing well. Their defensive intensity had picked up in that span and they sport one of the most efficient offenses in the NBA. It was about time to see again how they stacked up against a legitimate foe.
The answer: Not well.
The Denver Nuggets were without two starters on the wing, as both Christian Braun and Cam Johnson were out with injuries, which severely strained a rotation that’s been one of the best in the league this season. No matter, what was available of Denver’s core outworked and outexecuted the Timberwolves, particularly in the second half en route to a 123-112 victory on Saturday.
Minnesota is now 0-5 this season against teams with record north of .500.
The Wolves led 60-55 at the break after taking advantage of the minutes played by the likes of Julian Strawther and Spencer Jones off Denver’s bench. But when Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic shared the floor, the Wolves were handled all game.
Suddenly, defensive possessions required an extra rotation. The offense faced more resistance from a defense that possessed gameplan discipline. All things you’d expect to see against playoff teams.
Minnesota (8-5) wasn’t up to snuff, as was the case earlier this season against the likes of the Lakers and Knicks.
The Wolves allowed 68 second-half points as they were picked apart possession by possession.
Anthony Edwards struggled on both ends of the floor all game. He was passive offensively while returning to old, over-dribbling ways while getting lost off the ball on defense.
Luckily for Minnesota, three more gimmes are on the way. The Wolves next two opponents: The Mavericks, and Wizards.
Their combined records: 4-21.
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