The (3) Minnesota Timberwolves will face off against the (2) Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the West Semifinals on Saturday night. The Timberwolves swept a tough Phoenix Suns team behind a complete team effort. Seven players for Minnesota averaged 10 or more PPG in the series with the Suns and the Timberwolves continued to show why they are the best defensive team in the NBA. The Nuggets were able to close out the Lakers at home behind Jamal Murray’s second game-winner of the series. Denver was able to overcome multiple first-half deficits to win the series 4-1. The Timberwolves and Nuggets split the season series 2-2. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM EST from Ball Arena.

Timberwolves take care of business
Minnesota had no problem sweeping the Phoenix Suns as they won by an average of 15 points and never gave the Suns any hope. Anthony Edwards averaged 31 PPG, eight RPG, and 6.3 APG while getting two SPG. Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert dominated that series as Towns averaged 19.3 PPG and 9.5 RPG and Gobert averaged 15 PPG and 11 RPG. The other Timberwolves’ main rotation players had a great series as well led by Jalen McDaniels who averaged 14.3 PPG and played outstanding defense on Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Mike Conley continued to be a stable force for this team as he averaged 11.8 PPG. Nickeil Alexander-Walker averaged 12.3 PPG and Naz Reid averaged 9.5 PPG off the bench.
The Timberwolves had a great offensive showing in the first series against the Suns as they scored 118.3 PPG and shot 47.7% from the field and 36.6% from three. What kept Minnesota at the top of the standings in the West was their play on the defensive end. The Timberwolves carried that into the playoffs as they held the Suns to 103.3 PPG and completely shut them down in every game. Minnesota has great length and size at the wing and guard position and two seven-footers who can protect the rim.

Nuggets need to start faster
Denver did not play the way they wanted to in the series against the Lakers despite winning 4-1. The Nuggets got down by double digits in the first half of nearly every game and it took big-time second-half performances to secure wins. Nikola Jokic had his way in that series as he averaged 28.2 PPG, 12.4 RPG, and 9.8 APG. His running mate, Jamal Murray, really struggled in this series despite making two game-winners and averaging 23.6 PPG. Murray shot just 40% from the field and 29.4% from three. Michael Porter Jr. was the most efficient player in this entire series as averaged 22.8 PPG on 55.3% shooting from the field and 48.8% shooting from three. Aaron Gordon played very well on the offensive end as he utilized his cutting ability and was relentless on the offensive glass. Gordon averaged 13.8 PPG and 9.8 RPG.
The Nuggets have lacked depth this season and that showed against the Lakers. Denver doesn’t have a true backup for Jokic and they could not get consistent production from Peyton Watson, Christian Braun, and Justin Holiday. Denver scored just 108.6 PPG on 46.3% shooting from the field and 30.8% shooting from three. The Nuggets showed they can close out games but they will need to play better in the first half of games if they want to have a chance at advancing.