
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the net against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the third quarter during game two of the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Apr 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the net against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the third quarter during game two of the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Timberwolves are gearing up to face the Denver Nuggets in the conference semifinals. The series hasn’t started, but there is a lot of hype around it. The series is heating up because of intriguing narratives, including Karl-Anthony Towns‘ defensive assignment and Anthony Edwards‘ personal vendetta.
‘The Joker’ Nikola Jokić presents a huge challenge to Towns. Towns is known for his offensive prowess, but he has guarded wings in the previous series against the Phoenix Suns. Edwards’ emotion of revenge after a controversial incident in their last playoff encounter against the Nuggets will be interesting to watch.
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Towns embraces defensive flexibility
Towns was questioned about the chances of him shifting to more of a center in this series against the Nuggets rather than being a winger, which he played in the series against the Phoenix Suns. Karl-Anthony Towns replied, “Doesn’t matter. I can be a center one moment. I can sub in and be a power forward the next moment.” This speaks a lot about Towns’ confidence heading into the semifinals. Towns has a defensive rating of 109.1 in his career.
Asked Karl-Anthony Towns about, in ways, shifting back into being more of a center in this series (guarding Nikola Jokic) after being more of a wing in the Phoenix series (guarding Kevin Durant):
"Doesn’t matter. I can be a center one moment. I can sub in and be a power forward…
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) May 2, 2024
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Later, Towns added, “I can be a small forward in three-big men lineups. Whatever it takes to win, I’m willing to do.” The adaptability will benefit the Timberwolves a lot. Jokic has been unstoppable for the Nuggets this season. In the playoffs, he has averaged 28.2 points, 16.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game. ‘The Joker’ has been a force to reckon with, and containing him in the playoffs will benefit the Timberwolves a lot.
Edwards seeks redemption against the Nuggets
Adding another layer of intrigue to this series is Anthony Edward’s personal vendetta with the Nuggets. When the Timberwolves and the Nuggets faced each other in the playoffs last year, and the Nuggets knocked them out, Edwards was angry and swung a chair. The chair stuck the 2 bystanders. Later, Edwards was handed over a fine of $50,000. His emotions did harm him, but his fiery passion can also translate into explosive offensive performances. Edwards has performed well in the playoffs, he averages 31.0 points per game. Edwards also averages 8.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. His performances have played a huge part in the Timberwolves’ success this season.
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USA Today via Reuters
NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets, Apr 1, 2022 Denver, Colorado, USA Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic 15 and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards 1 battle for a loose ball in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports, 01.04.2022 21:19:13, 18005917, Nikola Jokic, NPStrans, NBA, Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards, TopPic, Denver Nuggets PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xIsaiahxJ.xDowningx 18005917
In the past 10 encounters between both teams. The Nuggets have emerged as victorious on 7 occasions. A thrilling clash is brewing as the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets prepare for battle. Karl-Anthony Towns’ ability to adjust on defense and contain the all-rounder Nikola Jokić will be paramount. Edwards wants a redemption after his last playoff encounter with the Nuggets. Edwards will be a wild card, potentially swinging the momentum with his scoring prowess. The Nuggets will rely on Jokic’s brilliance to lead their offense and their collective experience to weather the storm of the Timberwolves’ young guns. This series is going to be an epic battle.
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