Dec 26, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) dunks the ball during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Kenneth Faried has struggled some to find his legs this season but not last night. Faried brought full “Manimal Mode” to Pepsi Center going off for 26 points and 25 rebounds to virtually single handedly lead the Nuggets to a surprisingly hard fought 106-102 win over the previously 5-22 Minnesota Timberwolves.
Faried did all of his damage in only 30 minutes and scored his 25 points on only 15 shots going 11-15 from the field in the game and throwing in 4-5 free throws. Ty Lawson continued his strong play with his 16th points and assists double-double of the season going for 16 points and 11 dimes. Wilson Chandler chipped in 21 points for the Nuggets as well. The Timberwolves were led by Thadeous Young with 23 points and rookie first overall pick Andrew Wiggins with 22. Minnesota lost for the 7th straight time while the Nuggets broke their 2 game losing streak. Only 9 Nuggets saw action on the night as Darrell Arthur, Randy Foye, Danilo Gallinari and JaVale McGee are still out with injuries and newcomers Erick Green and Gary Harris were not used in the contest.
The game was much more of a struggle for the Yellow clad Nuggets than many would have thought. The Timberwolves played with great energy and their young players are getting better with all the playing time they are receiving with regulars Ricky Rubio, Kevin Martin and Nikola Pekovic all still out with injuries.
The Nuggets next game is Sunday night against the Eastern Conference leading Toronto Raptors at Pepsi Center. This should prove to be a tough challenge for the Nuggets but the team is hopeful that they will have Arthur back in the lineup and that would be a huge lift against a really good Raptors club.