The Nuggets have now lost five straight games to the Minnesota Timberwolves, dating back to game 6 of the 2024 playoffs in the Conference Semifinals. Despite Minnesota's struggles this year after KAT's departure, one thing has remained the same over the last two years: They have the Nuggets' number.
Why is that? Initially, I thought it was because the Wolves had their 3 headed monster of Naz Reid, Rudy Gobert, and KAT and were the only team that was able to give fits to Jokic so as a result, they had a formula of beating us. However, seeing their dominance over the Nuggets continue after the departure of KAT makes me think they have the perfect defense for Jamal Murray. According to Statmuse, Jamal Murray, in his last 6 games vs Minnesota, has averaged around 17 points on 41% shooting. Other than his 35-point game in game 7 last year, he has struggled mightily against them. Just like how I stated that the Wolves had a 3-headed monster for Jokic, they have one for Murray too. Murray has to deal with either Edwards, Jaden McDaniels or Alexander-Walker every time he comes up the floor. Those 3 guys have good lateral quickness and are long defenders and we saw their tenacity firsthand in the postseason.
The Wolves are built to beat the Nuggets. They have the roster for it. Former Nuggets GM Tim Connelly has done a fine job in constructing a roster that neutralizes what he built in Denver. How can Denver counter this? If I'm being honest, I am not very sure. Jamal Murray just has to be better, it is as simple as that. If he's better, that opens it up for the rest of the team. That was an issue yesterday as Jokic had 35 of the 95 points. It has to be a full team effort to get over the hump. If Murray doesn't get going then it won't matter. Jokic can play as well as he wants but if Murray doesn't show up the Nuggets are not coming close to beating this team. Jokic in his last 10 games vs Minnesota has actually played very well. From the beginning of the playoff series last year to yesterday, he has averaged 28 10, and 8 on 53% shooting. So it's not a matter of Jokic having to step it up, it's Murray who has to provide the dynamite.
The Nuggets have one more game vs Minnesota this year on April 1st. It's never good going into a postseason losing to a team all 4 times in the regular season if these 2 teams do end up matching up again. I would say that the game in April is as close as it gets to being a must-win just from a mental standpoint.
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