PREVIEW: T-Wolves Battle Nuggets in NBA Playoffs Second Round

MINNESOTA BEGINS THE SECOND ROUND OF THE NBA PLAYOFFS SATURDAY TAKING ON THE DEFENDING CHAMPS.

MINNEAPOLIS (KVRR)–The Minnesota Timberwolves are in the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2004. Their next opponent is the defending champions.

The Denver Nuggets are surely not going to be an easy matchup for the Wolves, but if we learned anything in the first round sweep vs. Phoenix, it’s that Minnesota is ready and hungry for more playoff success.

The wolves are preparing for a Nuggets team that presents a lot of threats. They have 3-point shooting in Michael Porter Jr. and two guys that can do it all in the MVP front runner Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The wolves will look to repeat their defensive success they had in round one. Minnesota had the best defense in the NBA during the regular season according to several defensive metrics and that continued into the series vs. phoenix that saw the wolves completely shut down Bradley Beal in multiple games and slow down Devin Booker for most of the series.

Karl-Anthony Towns spoke to the media early this week on the challenge ahead.

“It’s just only right, you know, do it the Minnesota way: take the toughest path to get to a championship,” said Towns on playing the defending NBA champions in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. “We played a tremendous, explosive and highly offensive team in Phoenix. They were really good and had our number all year. We found a way to win, so now this second round we have to go against guys who are playing at an extremely high level. [The Nuggets are] extremely disciplined and we have to go [to Denver] and find a way to first two games… without the home court advantage this time around. So, [we] just have to play our best, be disciplined and find a way to win.”

The Wolves may have to take on this challenge without their head coach Chris Finch. Finch sustained a torn patellar tendon in game four vs. phoenix and had surgery Wednesday, but was back at practice Thursday in crutches. Reports say that Finch is expected to be in Denver for game one, but his presence on the bench is unknown. Options that have been mentioned are being in a suite and conducting pregame and half time meetings. The wolves could also potentially clear out space on the bench for him to sit with his leg fully extended.

Finch’s top assistant, Micah Nori spoke to the media earlier this week on Finch being at practice.

“I tell you he’s a trouper, he is a warrior, but it’s always good [to have him at practice],” said Nori. “Obviously, anytime you have your leader in the building being able to conduct practices, film rooms, meetings, and the more that we can stay in the norm and closer to the rhythm that we’ve had all year, it’s great.”

President Tim Connelly was available to the media this week as well and emphasized his confidence in Nori, regardless of how Saturday’s coaching situation looks.

“We have a fantastic coaching staff,” said Connelly. “Mikah is going to make a great head coach when some smart team hires him. The whole staff is really connected and I think Finch powers those guys. It’s a collective, it’s not just about one person. Just like players, we have next man up… same with coaches. We have complete faith in our staff and obviously, fingers crossed, Finch will be somewhere around the [bench] he usually going is. But Mikah is gonna do a heck of a job.”

The Timberwolves and Nuggets will square off for game one on Saturday, May 4 at 6 P.M. local time. Game two will follow on Monday, May 6. The series will shift to Minneapolis next Friday, May 20 and Sunday, May 12.

The Nuggets are currently a 5.5 point favorites for game one.

Ryan’s Pick: Wolves in 7

Aaron’s Pick: Nuggets in 6