Nikola Jokic, ever the savant, has perhaps replayed that very moment in his mind several times this week.
Lump that with last month’s convincing home loss and there has to be that feeling of revenge tugging away.
In two days, Jokic and his Denver Nuggets will welcome back Anthony Edwards — the same guy who stood near the baseline goading the fans in Ball Arena after hitting a dagger 3-pointer in Game 7 two postseason ago — and the Minnesota Timberwolves to tip off another playoff showcase.
GettyNikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs.
These two teams have seen plenty of each other over the years and will meet for the first time since March 1, when Edwards’ Wolves partied out of Denver with a nine-point victory.
Now we’ll see again what these division rivals throw at each other. Hopefully for seven terrific games.
Nikola Jokic Lavishes His Star Counterpart With Major Praise
Being competitive can also mean acknowledging each other’s greatness. Jokic, a three-time MVP, has authored enough eye-popping moments for a 10-hour long YouTube compilation. He has also seen the electrifying Edwards produce more wow-worthy moments than the average below 25-year-old.
Ahead of Saturday’s Game 1, Jokic has nothing but kudos for the Minnesota star.
“His change of pace, his ability to finish the ball, his ability to shoot the ball, his great separation — he’s so talented,” Jokic said, according to the Denver Post. “And [he has] an ability to make tough shots. So he’s definitely one of the hardest offensive players to guard. He can do a post-up. He can do a midrange. He’s really good 1-on-1.”
Sure, that can be one long compliment from Jokic — it could also be one long warning for his teammates who’ll have to try and stop Edwards from operating unabated.
Ahem … Christian Braun.
Edwards has seen the Nuggets three times this season. In one game, he scored around his average. The next, he erupted for 44 points. And in the last, he scored a bit below his average.
Of course, Edwards isn’t Minnesota’s only source of offense. In fact, many games featuring the Nuggets and Timberwolves have seen each team produce a total team effort. That is what it has often taken for one club to knock off the other.
In the previous meeting, in which Minnesota won, it saw a whopping six players score double figures in points. Edwards’ 21 points were flanked by Jaden McDaniels’ 20 and Bones Hyland’s 18. But it was a nine-point fourth quarter by sharpshooting big man Naz Reid that perhaps dealt the biggest blow to Denver.
Another Potential All-Timer Awaits
Let the rivalry be official. The first round meeting between these two teams will mark their third postseason meeting in four years.
Does that correctly classify this as a rivalry? Sure seems like it.
Denver has the unique opportunity to throw the first punch and defend homecourt — which it did not do (in a Game 7) the last time Minnesota came into Ball Arena for a playoff game.
Then the series will shift to Target Center. Those fans will give Jokic and co. as much as Nuggets fans will have given it to Edwards and the crew.
Get ready for Saturday’s matinee in the Mile High City, folks. These two Western Conference giants will go at it again.
Nikola Jokic Drops Major Quote on Anthony Edwards Ahead of Playoff Showdown