Nuggets still alive in series against Wolves
the field and 48.3% on 3-pointers.
Denver’s concerns aren’t alleviated with a win. Murray was questionable for Game 3 with a strained left calf, and anyone who watches the Nuggets regularly can see that he isn’t 100%. He had three-plus days between Game 2 and Game 3 to give that calf a rest and get treatment. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (bruised abdomen) and Reggie Jackson (bruised left calf) were also questionable and it’s back to every other day for the next three scheduled games.
Now, did the Nuggets find a Minnesota weakness in the off days? It’s the playoffs, and adjustments are necessary, especially in a seven-game series featuring quality teams. But more often than not, a team needs to play better and smarter, and that’s what Denver did.
It’s difficult to eliminate a defending champion, and that’s the next step for the Timberwolves, who haven’t been to the conference finals since 2004. Just like Game 3 wasn’t a “must win” for Denver, Game 4 is not a “must win” for Minnesota.
“It’s just one game. We’re still down in the series and have a long way to go,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.
But the Nuggets are closer to where they want to be than they were four days ago.