The Minnesota Timberwolves came from behind to beat the Denver Nuggets 119-114 in Game 2 on Monday, evening the series at 1-1. Nikola Jokic finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, but shot just 8-of-20 from the field and managed only two points in the fourth quarter. Rudy Gobert was the reason why.
After the game, Anthony Edwards revealed exactly what he told Gobert heading into the fourth quarter, and did not hold back when asked about the three-time MVP’s tendencies on the floor.
What Edwards Said About Jokic
GettyAnthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
Edwards was direct when he addressed what he told Gobert before the pivotal fourth quarter.
“I told him, like, we ain’t bringing no double team,” Edwards said. “You’re gonna guard him one-on-one all night. And stop fouling, stop going for the reach-in because he’s gonna flop and they’re gonna call a foul. So just play him straight up. If he makes a shot over you, cool, that’s what he do. He gets paid to make those shots.”
The message was clear. Trust Gobert. Do not give Jokic easy free throws. Let him earn everything the hard way.
It worked. Jokic shot just 1-of-7 in the fourth quarter and was limited to two points in the final frame as the Timberwolves closed out the game. Per ESPN, Jokic shot 1-of-8 for the entire game in one-on-one matchups against Gobert, the worst shooting performance of his playoff career against a single defender.
After the win, Edwards made sure his teammate got his credit.
“Put some respect on Gobert’s name,” Edwards said.
What Gobert’s Performance Meant for the Timberwolves
GettyNikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets boxes out Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Gobert is a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and Monday was a reminder of why that hardware exists. Holding Jokic below his usual standards in a playoff game is not something most defenders in the league are capable of. Gobert’s combination of length, positioning, and patience in one-on-one coverage made life difficult for the reigning MVP throughout the fourth quarter.
The key, as Edwards outlined, was discipline. Rather than reaching in and giving Jokic opportunities at the free-throw line, Gobert played him straight up and forced him into contested shots he could not convert. Jokic shot just 1-of-7 from three for the game, well below the standard he has set throughout his career.
What It Means for the Series
The series now shifts to Minnesota tied 1-1, with the Timberwolves hosting Games 3 and 4. This is the second time in three seasons that Minnesota has pushed Denver to this stage, and the lessons learned from those previous matchups are clearly being applied.
If Gobert can continue to make Jokic work this hard for his points, and Edwards keeps finding ways to will his team back into games, the Timberwolves are a genuine threat to eliminate the Nuggets once again.
Final Word for the Timberwolves
Edwards challenged Gobert. Gobert delivered. The Timberwolves are back on even footing with one of the toughest opponents in the Western Conference.
The advice was simple. Play him straight up. Let him earn it. Monday night, Jokic could not.
Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards Calls Out Nikola Jokic After Win