DENVER — Nikola Jokic’s 27 points and 15 rebounds on Thursday mirrored his regular-season production, yet the reigning MVP candidate endured a rare off night, converting just 7 of 26 shots. The Minnesota Timberwolves took full advantage, outscoring Denver by 21 during Jokic’s 35 minutes en route to a Game 3 victory that pushed the Nuggets into a 2-1 deficit in their first-round series.
“I’ve never seen him shoot what he shot today,” guard Jamal Murray said afterward. “That’s an outlier type of game.”
Lineup uncertainty complicates Denver’s plans
Head coach David Adelman revealed the staff prepared two separate game plans, unsure until moments before tipoff whether forward Aaron Gordon (calf soreness) could play. Gordon was ultimately ruled out, and wing Peyton Watson (hamstring strain) has not appeared at all this postseason. Adelman hopes for clarity on both players ahead of Saturday’s Game 4.
“Out of fairness to the team, we want to know who is going to play that next game,” Adelman said. “It helps because guys know the expectation of what’s going to be that night.”
McDaniels backs up his words
Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels, who had labeled Denver’s entire roster “bad defenders” after Game 2, supported the claim with 20 points, 10 rebounds and aggressive defense on Murray in Game 3. “Jaden is one of our most intense competitors,” head coach Chris Finch noted. “I had no worry he wasn’t going to try his darnedest to back up whatever was said.”
In a separate report, The Athletic highlighted the influence of assistant coach James White on McDaniels and guard Donte DiVincenzo. Both players credited White for their strong seasons. “To have somebody like that in your corner … that’s the stuff we need,” DiVincenzo said.
Lillard progressing from Achilles injury
Meanwhile in Portland, Damian Lillard’s decision to re-sign last summer appears validated by the Trail Blazers’ performance, according to The Oregonian. A source told the outlet the 35-year-old guard is close to medical clearance following Achilles rehabilitation. A return this postseason is possible but would not come before a later round or “deep, deep into the Spurs series,” the source cautioned. “I wouldn’t rule anything out or get too excited about anything,” the person added.
Source: Hoops Rumors
