The Denver Nuggets cruised through their first-round series against the Lakers while the Minnesota Timberwolves swept the Suns, setting up an exciting round-two battle. The teams played four times this regular season, with the Nuggets winning one at home and one on the road, and the T-Wolves doing the same.
The two squads battled down to the final day of the regular season (along with the Thunder) for the best record in the Western Conference and both heavyweights boasted top 5 NET ratings on the season.
The Wolves are led by their elite, league-best defense, anchored by Rudy Gobert down low and Jaden McDaniels on the perimeter, and the overall brilliance of ascending superstar Anthony Edwards. They made quick work of the sixth-seeded Suns in round one with a decisive four-game sweep.
The Nuggets, of course, are carried by the soon-to-be three-time league MVP and best player alive, Nikola Jokic along with the playoff legend and most clutch man alive, Jamal Murray. The Nuggets defeated the seventh-seeded Lakers four games to one in the first round behind two game-winning shots from Murray.
This should be an excellent series and there are so many great storylines to watch. Here are 5 major keys to this matchup that will go a long way in deciding who wins this series and moves on to the Western Conference Finals.