The Denver Nuggets evened their record at 2-2 after a 102-99 win at the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night. The win marks Denver’s first against a Northwest Division opponent this season. A win like this could prove important down the stretch assuming the Timberwolves and Nuggets are fighting for a playoff spot at the end of the season. Here is a look at the good, the bad and the questionable from Thursday night’s win.
The Good: The third quarter
The third quarter was yet again another positive for Denver against Minnesota. The Nuggets stormed back from a six-point halftime deficit by outscoring the Timberwolves 33-14 in the third quarter. Michael Malone is beginning to make it a habit preaching aggressiveness during his talks with the team at halftime.
The Bad: The fourth quarter
Denver has to get better in the fourth quarter, even though the team was able to pull out another road win. The Nuggets managed only 14 points in the final frame and were outscored by 10. Denver had a chance to make it a two-possession game very late; however, they failed to do so after committing a 24-second shot clock violation with only four seconds left in the game. Fortunately, the Nuggets held on when a three-point attempt went in and out for Minnesota.
The Questionable: Where’s the Joker?
Malone is using Nikola Jokic way too seldom. Remember, Jokic was one of the best rookies in the NBA last season and a true bright spot during Denver’s disappointing campaign. Jokic played just 14 minutes against Minnesota, but still managed to put up eight points, five assists and three rebounds on perfect shooting from the field. The Nuggets cannot let talent like this stay on the bench.
Next up: Denver continues their road trip at the Detroit Pistons Saturday night. This should be another good defensive matchup that will be decided in the fourth quarter.
