Anthony Edwards outshines Nikola Jokic, Nuggets as Timberwolves take 1-0 series lead

Minnesota’s star guard has the NBA world buzzing after a stellar showing in the series opener. Not only did Edwards lead the Wolves to a win, but he also convincingly outplayed Nikola Jokic. While Minnesota’s role players struggled to get going early, Ant-Man was not going to be denied.

In the first half, Edwards exploded for an incredible 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting. The rest of the Timberwolves’ roster combined for 15 points on 27 total shots. While the others were adjusting to the course of the game, the Wolves’ face of the franchise exerted his will on the game. Despite the poor offensive play around Edwards, Minnesota trailed by just four points going into halftime.

With improved contributions in the second half, the Timberwolves took control of the game as Ant-Man continued his offensive brilliance. The superstar guard scored 18 points in that span en route to a playoff career-high 43 points. The only other player in NBA history to score 40 points or more in back-to-back playoff games at 22 years old or younger is the late Kobe Bryant.

Most impressively, Ant’s efficiency was at an all-time high. Converting on 17 of his 29 shot attempts, it was clear Denver had no singular answer for Edwards’ offensive game. The Nuggets pivoted between Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun on Ant, but none of them found consistent success in slowing down Minnesota’s premier guard.

Timberwolves’ size and length bothered Nikola Jokic

While Edwards was the source of elite offense, the Timberwolves’ collection of size and length played its role on the defensive end of the floor. While Nikola Jokic did rack up 32 points, eight boards and nine assists, it was clear he wasn’t truly comfortable all night long. Jokic shot just 44% from the field as he settled for nine 3-point attempts. In addition to his subpar efficiency as a scorer, the Joker turned the ball over an incredulous seven times on Saturday night.

Jokic filled up the stat sheet, but did not play up to his typical level. Behind his struggles was the Wolves’ dominant game planning and the sheer volume of bodies they can afford to throw at the Joker that other teams simply cannot. First off, Rudy Gobert’s rim protection and defensive dominance played its part. Even when Jokic converted against Gobert, it was clear that he had to work for his baskets. The Wolves’ anchor had his fair share of successes too, including this impressive forced turnover as he disrupted a two-on-one lob attempt to Aaron Gordon.

Outside of Gobert, Minnesota relied on a joint effort to bother Jokic. KAT often took the assignment allowing Gobert to operate as a roamer on the defensive end. While Towns did get into foul trouble, he was extremely beneficial in his 31 minutes and finished the seven-point win with a +6 plus-minus. The benefits of having two seven-footers on the court is best exemplified by a play when Jokic beat Gobert on a cut, but Towns made a timely rotation as the weakside low man and forced a Nuggets’ turnover.

Naz Reid and Kyle Anderson were perfect change-of-pace defenders to prevent Denver from finding a rhythm. Reid utilized his speed and athleticism to pressure Jokic out on the perimeter and even in the full court. Anderson’s length and IQ helped limit where the Nuggets’ big man was catching on his post-ups.

While Jokic wasn’t as great as he usually is, it’s clear to see how scary of a matchup he is. Minnesota is the team best equipped to limit him and make him work, but it won’t be all sunshine and rainbows going forward. Jokic’s intelligence will allow him to come back in this series and find gaps to attack the Wolves. This is going to be an all-time great series.