Nuggets Timberwolves game 5: 3 key matchups that could tip the scales
By Ben Handler
#3. Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Aaron Gordon
This was the biggest story from game 4 and there’s no reason to think that should change. KAT had been having an excellent series but last game a different version of Aaron Gordon showed up and completely cut the water off for Towns.
Aaron Gordon just put Karl Anthony Towns in a maximum security prison. pic.twitter.com/4RJqM7CmS7
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) May 13, 2024
It was an incredible performance by Gordon and his physicality got Towns off his game early and he never recovered. Gordon was also stellar on the offensive end, exploding for 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists on 11/12 shooting and getting Rudy Gobert to compare him to Kobe Bryant.
So the Wolves wanted to pick up the Nuggets and get them deep in clock, to the point where Towns picks up Aaron Gordon at this level, so AG blows past him, and then Naz wants to help, which leaves Holiday one pass away. pic.twitter.com/qrE7MQ6ARW
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) May 13, 2024
If those are the versions of Gordon and Towns that show up for game 5, the T-Wolves are in huge trouble. Anthony Edwards looked like a one-man band out there on offense; he desperately needs his co-star and sidekick to actually play like it. Towns had been up till the last game, but this felt like a turning point. How he responds is a huge storyline.
Meanwhile, Gordon is typically a third or fourth option for the Nuggets on offense. If he continues to dominate the game on the perimeter with ballhandling, screening, and shotmaking that unlocks a whole new level for this team. Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray had pretty quiet nights so they needed more from Gordon, but if they get AG clicking with the other main stars, that’s a wrap for Minnesota.