(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Denver Nuggets may have beaten the Los Angeles Lakers in five games in round 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, but they face an entirely different challenge in the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Despite holding home court, Denver lost Game 1 to Minnesota and now faces some serious questions heading into Game 2 of their matchup.
Unlike the Lakers, the Timberwolves are full of young wings with size and athleticism that can keep up with the Nuggets.
It was apparent that Denver was bothered by Minnesota’s collective size and length in Game 1 as they struggled to convert on looks they normally cash in on.
Aaron Gordon was quiet in Game 1, recording only nine points and three rebounds in 33 minutes of action.
Analysts like Amin Elhassan singled out Gordon as someone who needs to step up in Game 2 for the Nuggets via SiriusXM NBA Radio.
“Aaron Gordon is probably the guy that has to do more,” Elhassan said.
“Aaron Gordon is probably the guy that has to do more.”
After the Minnesota Timberwolves went to Denver and won game one on the road, @DarthAmin tells @TheJaxShow he wants to see more out of the Nuggets power forward. pic.twitter.com/MImboy63B1
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) May 5, 2024
Gordon isn’t asked to be a scorer as he makes his calling on defense rebounding and guarding No. 1 options on the perimeter.
However, the task of guarding players like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns is too much for one person to ask for though Denver doesn’t have a lot of options behind him.
Gordon’s at his best offensively roaming the sidelines and getting open for dunks and putbacks, though those kinds of shots are harder to come by against the Timberwolves’ massive front line.
It’ll be interesting to see how the veteran power forward responds in Game 2 as the Nuggets will need him if they hope to avoid a 0-2 hole.
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