After losing Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to injuries against the Denver Nuggets in Game 4, the Minnesota Timberwolves had enough momentum to carry on through the end of the game and come out on top.
Game 5 was a different scenario, though. Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets’ backs were against the wall. Down 3-1, the Nuggets took on a Timberwolves team without the multi-time All-Star in Anthony Edwards.
Denver knew they were taking on a team missing a massive presence, but Nikola Jokic claims he’s doing what he can to keep his mindset the same.
Nikola Jokic’s Reveals Mindset Against The Ant-Less Timberwolves
“I mean, he’s definitely one of the most dominant players in the NBA,” Edwards told reporters, regarding Anthony Edwards. “His impact is huge, but I think he’s going to play the next game. I don’t know why, but that’s my mindset.”
Edwards has been dealing with minor ailments throughout the playoffs before his latest injury. But the awkward landing in Game 4 was too much for his knee to handle.
The Timberwolves were relieved to find out that Edwards wasn’t dealing with a season-ending setback, but his first-round series is over. The Nuggets have faced Edwards for the final time this year.
“They definitely, let’s say, miss an advantage on the court, and the guy who is making the advantage,” Jokic added. “Their coaching staff is so good. They always make little actions, little advantages for the players who can make a big advantage, if that makes sense. We need to think about us and not about them.”
The Magic Number Is 2
The Nuggets need two more wins to pull off the comeback.
Without Edwards and DiVincenzo, the Timberwolves are fighting an uphill battle. However, Jokic and the Nuggets aren’t overlooking Minnesota.
With praise for the Timberwolves’ coaching staff and the supporting cast, the Nuggets will still have their hands full on Thursday, April 30, when the two teams battle it out for Game 6.