A playoff career-high 43 factors from Anthony Edwards has allowed Minnesota to attract first blood of their Western Conference semi-final sequence in opposition to reigning NBA champions Denver.
Edwards was unstoppable within the first half, scoring 25 factors, and Naz Reid took over within the fourth quarter when he nailed 14 of his 16 factors for the sport.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 factors regardless of coping with foul bother.
Game 2 will happen on Monday night time (Tuesday AEST) in Denver.
Three days after present process knee surgical procedure, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch was on the bench within the second row, behind his assistant Micah Nori, who did the instructing, roaming and switching.
Two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic had 32 factors, eight rebounds and 9 assists for Denver, but additionally had seven turnovers.
Jamal Murray scored 17 factors after being held scoreless within the first half.
Tied at 84, the Timberwolves went on an 18-7 run to interrupt the sport open, with Reid scoring 10 straight factors for the Timberwolves throughout that pivotal stretch.
Last yr, Minnesota had been a troublesome first-round opponent for Denver regardless of being with out Reid (damaged wrist) and Jaden McDaniels (damaged hand), and with Karl-Anthony Towns coming off a extreme calf pressure that had value him 52 video games.
This time round, not a single Timberwolves participant was listed on the harm report. And the distinction was clear.
Aside from being more healthy, the Timberwolves had been a lot better due to the dramatic enchancment in Edwards’ recreation, Denver coach Michael Malone stated.
“There’s no weaknesses in his game,” Malone stated.
“And it’s going to be a hell of a challenge trying to slow him down.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
