2024 NBA Playoffs: West Semifinals: #2 Denver Nuggets vs #3 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN WINS 4-3)

[Rubio9Guy]

Don’t let Denver get one.

You thought Denver was going to get swept?

[Patches Perry]

Mcdaniels already with 3 fouls? pfffff

It’s been an evenly called, ticky-tack game, but Minnesota really struggles when the game is called tight. I actually feel like Minnesota has gotten more ticky-tack calls in their favour, but this has been a problematic trend all season.

It's always bugged me how much officials can control the game through emphasis, even in evenly called games. If you wanted to go conspiracy, it'd be easy to speculate that the league decides on a tightly officiated game tonight knowing it will more likely result in 2-1 vs. 3-0. I don't think it's that deep, but I do wonder how the crews decide how they're going to call the game.

[Syd-TK3]

I knew a soon as I heard those boos first possession Murray would be locked in tonight

[BigGargamel]

The reason Jokic seems passive is that he's looking for the double team. He's waiting to see if the double is coming and then he's passing. He's thinking "pass from double team" before shooting.

Given how he's being played, that's the right mindset.

The Nuggets are a better team when he plays like this. If he has to take 30 shots Denver doesn't win. Casual fans can't understand this.

Obviously a lot of time left, but really good to see Denver execute like this. They could have folded, but they're champs for a reason.

[Chuck Everett]

Nuggets are up 17 and you're worried about Jokic? Make it make sense.

[KGDirkTD_Fan]

The Nuggets getting a lot of space this game. Aren't being suffocated like in game 2. This is much more like them.

[TimberKat]

Minnesota took too long to call timeout.

That's been a problem most of the time.

[Enso]

Murray looking good. Silver's decision not to suspend may prove to be pivotal.

If they suspended him they all but guaranteed a sweep. The leniency was to be expected for the defending champs.

[jkvonny]

Defending champs (Nuggets) up big!

[levon]

Where is Wolves' defense? It wasn't like this in game 2.

Minnesota’s defense always falls into the dumpster if the game is called super tight. It’s been a problem throughout the season, haven’t been able to adapt, even if they are also getting calls.

I mean it's hard to play defense when the refs disable it. It was clear from the jump.

[picc]

So guys just drive to the rim and Jokic doesn't even attempt to do anything about it despite being right there?

I don't understand it, either. I don't know if he's trying to save energy or if that helps him be ready for rebounds/passes or something, but it drives me crazy when he keeps his arms down on some plays. It's the only thing that frustrates me watching him.

Might as well just drive every time if he's not interested in contesting shots.

[CelticSooner]

Murray had 3 days off to rest and it shows. Minnesota caught reading their press clippings. Would have been better for them if Game 3 was on Wednesday.

[TheFire]

Don’t let Denver get one.

You thought Denver was going to get swept?

Based on getting completely destroyed at home the first 2 games, yes.

[Patches Perry]

Nuggets are up 17 and you're worried about Jokic? Make it make sense.

I have the over on Jokic 30 points, yes I'm worried!

[Eagle4]

Playoffs Murray has finally entered the series and no shocker Nuggets are back in form.

[OriginalRed]

It's actually insane how many people in the media were convinced Denver was getting swept. Like, they didn't have a prayer in Game 3 lol.

[ForeverTFC]

Agree with ya'll, I dislike almost all commentators but Legler is no gimmicks commentator with good insights and a normal non-annoying voice.

yeah he’s awesome. He’s what I thought Reddick would be, but Reddick is too attached to the current players personally to call a good game I think. Doris is just really bad I think on these calls as well which doesn’t help Reddick, broadcast is too boring.

I really miss JVG. Imagine Breen, JVG and Legler? I think that would be the best crew ESPN could put together.

I liked JVG too but I understand why a lot of people don't. He was very "shower thoughts" in the way he'd call games.

That’s fair. I just miss how quickly he’d figure the game out and call out what needs to be done. It was clear why he was such a great coach. Feel like we don’t really get that outside Hubie who’s too old to do more than what he does today.

[SFour]

Where is Wolves' defense? It wasn't like this in game 2.

Minnesota’s defense always falls into the dumpster if the game is called super tight. It’s been a problem throughout the season, haven’t been able to adapt, even if they are also getting calls.

I mean it's hard to play defense when the refs disable it. It was clear from the jump.

they were allowed to play very physical defense in game 2....now it's too soft in game 3...refs need to find that sweet spot in the middle.

[durden_tyler]

Minnesota knows this is for the series and playing with sense of urgency. /sarcasm

Continue this and they’ll give away this game easily and an uberconfident defending champion looking to tie it up for Game 4— and they are capable of stealing that one too.

[BigGargamel]

Man, looks like Denver has figured something out. Offense looks way more crisp. The lack of Murray suspension might be huge.

Nuggets second best player playing instead of not playing is "huge". I mean...duh?