The 5 biggest keys to the Nuggets Timberwolves 2nd round playoff matchup
By Ben Handler
3. Controlling the glass
These teams both have a ton of size and were top 10 in the league in rebounding rate this season. The Nuggets are used to dominating down low with Jokic, who can be flanked by the super athletic Gordon, and big wing, Michael Porter Jr., who is a very good rebounder for his position.
But the Timberwolves are one of the few teams in the league that can match their size and presence in the post. Likely Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert is the main cog, owning the pain on defense. Karl-Anthony Towns can also bang down low and will have a size matchup with whoever is guarding him. The Wolves have another starting-caliber big in Naz Reid off the bench as well.
On top of their big men, the Wolves have a ton of length on the perimeter with McDaniels, Edwards, NAW, and Anderson. Those guys are all big for their positions and will get after it on defense and on the glass. The team that won the rebounding battle won three out of the four regular season games.
Securing and preventing extra possessions are going to make a massive difference in the series and if one team can impose their will and gain an edge that could determine the outcome of the series.