After multiple upsets during the first couple of days of the NBA playoffs, one game went according to plan as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves comfortably. There is no doubt that the Nuggets, who have been the number-one seed in the West for quite some time, do not get enough credit and coverage. And NBA legend Charles Barkley made sure to speak his mind in terms of that manner.
The Denver Nuggets easily took Game 1 of the series as they defeated the Timberwolves, 109-80. Yet, the media and fans keep buzzing about Russell Westbrook defeating Kevin Durant or some other game. The Nuggets dominating performance went under the radar.
Charles Barkley may have ignited Nikola Jokic and the rest of the Nuggets
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The NBA community has seemingly not paid enough respect to the Denver Nuggets. Analysts and fans have speculated more about LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. One reason could be that the team lacks star power apart from Nikola Jokic, who himself likes to stay out of the news.
In the most recent episode of Inside the NBA, Philadelphia 76ers legend Charles Barkley spoke out a harsh truth regarding Nikola Jokic?s Nuggets. He started off by saying, ?Nobody respects Denver. Most people aren?t picking them to win the West?.
While that may be harsh but it is true and that might be enough to ignite Nikola Jokic. Though the Nuggets won by a huge margin, Jokic still had a low-scoring game with 13 points and 16 rebounds.
However, the rest of the Nuggets squad really poured in as the entirety of Denver?s starting lineup scored in double-digits. The entire Nuggets roster divided the offensive load instead of one player going off with a huge-scoring game.
But now, Barkley?s comments may cause Jokic to go off against the Timberwolves in Game 2. Although Barkley spoke out a harsh truth, he made sure to put respect to the Nuggets team.
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Barkley puts some respect to the Nuggets’ name
Charles Barkley first spoke out the harsh truth about the Denver Nuggets. But he also pointed out what the Nuggets have done well this season. Barkley said, ?They?ve been the best team in the West. They?ve been the best team from start to finish in the West.?
?They?re the number-one seed and still nobody?s picking them. I think it?s disrespectful. I love the fact that they came out here and punched Minnesota in the face,? added Barkley.
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Even though the Nuggets took Game 1, the series is still wide open. So, let?s see who comes out in the second matchup. What are your thoughts on Barkley’s take? Let us know in the comments.
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