Northwest Notes: Nuggets Reassess Offense, Edwards Eyes Return, Dosunmu Update, Thunder Emphasize Culture
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The Denver Nuggets are evaluating their options after an unexpected first-round exit that exposed their reliance on three-time MVP Nikola Jokić. Denver failed to find consistent scoring elsewhere, and Jokić finished the series without a 30-point performance for the first time in his postseason career. Newcomers added last summer were unable to spark the attack, while the team connected on just 32.1% of its wide-open three-point attempts. Guard Bruce Brown recorded nine turnovers against 10 assists.
Assistant coach David Adelman said the staff will “break it down” to determine why the regular-season offense did not translate to the playoffs. Among the possibilities under discussion, according to the Denver Gazette, is the once-unlikely scenario of trading Jamal Murray, who is coming off the best regular season of his career.
In Minnesota, All-Star guard Anthony Edwards expects to rejoin the Timberwolves during their second-round matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. Edwards missed Game 7 of the opening round and is listed week-to-week with a hyperextended knee, but teammates say the 22-year-old has been rehabbing relentlessly and believes he will play at some point in the series.
The Wolves are also monitoring Ayo Dosunmu, who hurt his ankle in the series-clinching win over Denver. Head coach Chris Finch called the guard “day to day,” noting that Dosunmu participated only in light on-court work in the most recent practice. Dosunmu scored 43 points in Game 4 when Minnesota was without Edwards.
In Oklahoma City, rookie center Chet Holmgren highlighted the Thunder’s commitment to maintaining ties with former players after spending time with longtime franchise pillar Serge Ibaka. Holmgren said speaking with Ibaka about his past experiences in the same building underscores the organization’s culture.
Source: Hoops Rumors
