3 studs and 3 duds from Nuggets game 4 win over Timberwolves

Denver Nuggets v Minnesota Timberwolves - Game Four
Denver Nuggets v Minnesota Timberwolves - Game Four / David Berding/GettyImages
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Dud #3: Timberwolves bench

Shockingly, whatā€™s been a huge advantage for the Wolves was a killer for them in game 4; the bench. The Minnesota bench has dominated Denverā€™s but that script completely flipped on Sunday night. While the Nuggets bench players stepped up in a big way, those on the Wolves fell off a cliff.

Naz Reid, who has been one of the Wolves' best players all season, had a quiet 11 points and 4 rebounds in just 18 minutes. He hit only one three and got bullied on the defensive end. The Wolves were -9 in his minutes, something they cannot afford to happen.

Beyond the disappointing play of the Sixth Man of the Year, the T-Wolves got brutal showings from Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kyle Anderson, two role players who have been great for them. The duo combined for just 2 points on 1/8 shooting, they missed all their threes, and combined for a -38 +/- in 30 minutes played.

The bench has been such a huge part of the success for the Wolves and that wasnā€™t the case at all in game 4. These guys got played off the floor on both ends. Shots that have been falling werenā€™t and the defensive intensity and impact plays were lacking in a major way. Overall, the supporting cast has to be far better for Anthony Edwards and the Wolves to win this thing.