Overreaction theater: 5 major takeaways from Timberwolves game 1 win over Nuggets

#5: Nuggets bench consistency still an issue

Overall, the Nuggets bench was a big part of their late first-quarter run and a major reason they were in the game at all. But that was oddly due to some great minutes from Reggie Jackson and Justin Holiday. While it’s great to get those performances, I’m not sure that can be relied on. It’s more concerning how little Christian Braun and Peyton Watson were offering.

Those were supposed to be guys who could step up and play like extra starters, maybe even closing games when needed. But they didn’t look up to the task on Saturday night. The Wolves are supposed to have the bench advantage in this series, but that wasn’t the case in game 1.

You’d have to imagine the Wolves bench will play better, although Naz Reid did have a huge fourth quarter. And the Nuggets may not get better showings from Jackson and Holiday. They are going to need Braun and Watson to show up and match some of the long, athletic wings of the Wolves.

This is especially glaring when Denver’s starters struggle, as they did in game 1. The bottom line is that the Nuggets need to get more production, and the most likely candidates off the bench didn’t look like they were up to it. That is going to need to change in game 2.