The Nuggets' season is on the line as they face elimination in Game 5 of the Western Conference playoffs first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves, down 3-1. They've not looked like their normal selves at all. But they've got a glimmer of hope to come back from 3-1, and perhaps do what they twice did in the 2020 playoffs, and win in seven games from the daunting hold. They'll have their chance to start making more shots against a very shorthanded Timberwolves team in Game 5, and they need to take advantage of it.
It's an unfortunate reality in sports, but it is a reality that injuries can affect the outcome of a game or series. And the Timberwolves have lost their leading scorer in Anthony Edwards due to a knee injury that will keep him sidelined for "multiple weeks." They also lost Donte DiVicenzo, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon that will force him out of the remainder of the playoffs and into next season.
The Nuggets have a chance to capitalize on the tough break
It's a tough break for the Timberwolves, but it's a part of the sport. However, it offers the Nuggets an opening to claw back in the series in Game 5 at home and build some momentum to rattle off three in a row against the Wolves. It's an uphill battle, but it is doable. The question is, can the Nuggets capitalize?
They weren't able to in the second half of Game 4's letdown in Minnesota. The Wolves actually turned up the heat on the Nuggets and ran away with the game without their starting backcourt duo. Ayo Dosunmu couldn't be stopped on his way to 43 points and a perfect 5-5 from downtown off the bench.
Former Nuggets first-round pick Bones Hyland and 19-year NBA veteran Mike Conley absorbed the extra minutes in the backcourt. Hyland is streaky, so it's imperative the Nuggets keep him cold. Conley, on the other hand, doesn't offer much offensive upside, but can still play some decent defense.
It's a different story when bench players assume a new role to start the game, and that could be a difference-maker for the Nuggets tonight. They have to establish a tone against Dosunmu, for whom they have not had an answer in this series.
Stop the backup guards on Minnesota
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are going to have to pick apart Conley and Ayo. The Nuggets have been getting beaten in the paint off drives from guards and wings. If they can manage a few more stops, and the Nuggets can start knocking down some threes, they'll win the game.
The Nuggets have to capitalize on the Timberwolves' disadvantage to keep their season going. Or it could result in some difficult conversations if they don't.