During Games 1 and 2, the Denver Nuggets were far from playing like the championship-contending squad that they had been renowned for. In contrast, the reigning champions turned the tables on the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of this second-round series, winning 117-90 at the Target Center. Nikola Jokic had only a single, direct response when asked to discuss the changes in the Nuggets’ strategy tonight that might be carried over into the rest of the series.
After the decisive 27-point victory in Game 3, Scott Van Pelt questioned Nikola Jokic about the difference strategy they had employed from the first two games. Scott asked,
“What would you say is the most important thing that you guys did well tonight that you need to carry forward Sunday and beyond?”
Jokic replied bluntly : “Cross the halfcourt in 2-3 seconds.”
SVP: "What would you say is the most important thing that you guys did well tonight that you need to carry forward Sunday and beyond?"
Jokic: "Cross the halfcourt in 2-3 seconds"
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) May 11, 2024
Jokic’s evaluation is humorous in one line, but it’s not at all wrong. The boys led by Michael Malone were noticeably speedier tonight than they had been in the series’ opening two games. The team used its 24 seconds per possession considerably more wisely, not wasting any clock time. The Colorado team was able to try five more field goals than they did in Game 1 because of their speed.
It appeared that the Nuggets had finally realized how crucial it was to take the lead in the first quarter. Thanks to the explosive combination of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.’s 16-point first quarter output, the Nuggets led by eight points after 12 minutes of play tonight.
