Overreaction theater: 5 major takeaways from Timberwolves game 1 win over Nuggets
By Ben Handler
#1: Anthony Edwards was the best player on the court
Edwards was straight-up brilliant in this game and took over in ways that are special for a 22-year-old. His ascension to superstardom is happening right before our eyes. It was one thing for him to do it against an overmatched Suns team, but he made the Nuggets look overmatched on Saturday night.
Edwards had 43 points and hit every big shot down the stretch to close this game out. The Nuggets had it close but Edwards shined brightest in the final minutes with clutch baskets over and over.
Players under 23 years old to record back to back 40+ point playoff games:
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) May 5, 2024
Kobe Bryant
Anthony Edwards pic.twitter.com/TBVEyhp6VB
His combination of size and strength makes it tough for anyone in Denver to match up. Aaron Gordon is a little too slow and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a little too small. Edwards was having his way with anyone the Nuggets threw at him. Denver is going to have to make some major adjustments to slow Ant down, and it likely means more doubles and blitzes.
Including tonight, there have been 68 playoff games in Timberwolves history.Anthony Edwards, in his 16th career playoff game, now has three 40-point games. There have been two other combined such games in franchise history (both by Sam Cassell, 2004).
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) May 5, 2024
h/t: @JJ__NBA
Nikola Jokic put up his usual great numbers for the Nuggets, but Minnesota made him work hard and made him uncomfortable, including forcing him to settle for nine three-pointers. Joker had 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, but it rarely felt like he was dictating the game. That is going to have to change. For the Nuggets to take this series, Jokic needs to be the best player.