Revived Nuggets to host Wolves after series about-face
Mon May 13 5:36pm ET
Field Level Media
A week ago, it appeared the next time the Denver Nuggets returned home, their stay might include packing for the summer.
Instead, the Nuggets went on the road where they revived their championship level of play.
After losing the first two games at home to fall behind 2-0 in the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Nuggets went to the Midwest, where they won Games 3 and 4 to even the series 2-2.
The Nuggets now are poised to take the lead in the series when the teams meet for Game 5 at Denver on Tuesday night.
The Nuggets looked out of sync while going down 0-2 to Minnesota but three days between Games 2 and 3 gave them a chance to regroup. Now, the Timberwolves need to turn things around or risk facing elimination at home in Game 6.
Denver's biggest turnaround has taken place on offense. The Nuggets shot 55.3 percent over the last two games and initiated their offense more quickly.
It has helped that Jamal Murray -- listed questionable for Tuesday -- is moving better on his sore left calf and is scoring like he did in last year's postseason, His revival was highlighted with his 55-foot halftime buzzer-beater in Game 4 that capped an 8-0 rally in the final 20 seconds of the second quarter.
To Denver coach Michael Malone, it has been all about his team showing its championship experience.
"They were quick to write us off, but these guys, we won a championship a year ago," Malone said. "We went into Miami (in the NBA Finals) and won two games in a row. This team has been tested time and time again, and we found a way to solve whatever's been thrown at us."
It will take more for the Timberwolves than Anthony Edwards scoring 44 points as he did in a 115-107 loss on Sunday night to shift the momentum.
Edwards, Minnesota's rising star, hasn't received much help from the rest of the team in the last two games. Karl-Anthony Towns, the other No. 1 overall pick on the roster, scored just 27 points in the last two games combined. He took only seven shots in Game 3 then went 5 of 18 in Game 4 to finish with 13 points.
The Timberwolves need more from Towns to counter Denver's suddenly balanced attack.
"He's a superstar," Edwards said of Towns. "He gets paid to put the ball in the rim. I always tell him, ‘Don't you ever stop shooting the ball because you missed five or six. I don't give a damn. In order for us to win, we need you to score.'"
Towns isn't the only player who regressed in Minnesota's two home games. While veteran guard Mike Conley has played well, center Naz Reid averaged 15 points in the two wins and 9.5 points in the losses. And the Nuggets have been able to score on Rudy Gobert, the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Denver can rely on Murray and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic but also got a boost from the supporting cast. Aaron Gordon had a near-perfect shooting performance in Game 4, while going 10-for-11 from the field, and has also defended Towns and Edwards at times.
"Nikola's going to do what he does ... but what Aaron is doing in terms of the offense, the shot-making, the play-making, the physicality, the defense on two All-Stars, so much is being asked of him right now," Malone said.
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According to Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer, Hornets guard LaMelo Ball isn't anticipated to be traded anytime soon. The Hornets are under new ownership, and with Ball's frequent injuries over the last few seasons, his stock can't get much lower. But the 22-year-old is as good as it gets when healthy, averaging 20.0 points, 7.4 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 184 career games. As such, he'll draw attention from managers during fantasy drafts heading into the 2024-25 campaign. However, Ball's inability to remain healthy makes him a risky fantasy option.
According to Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer, impending free agent Miles Bridges isn't expected to give the Charlotte Hornets a "hometown" discount. While Bridges has stated he wants to remain in Charlotte, Boone indicated the veteran would sign with the team "who offers the most money," with the Pistons one of the likeliest suitors because of cap space. He didn't play in 2022-23. However, the 26-year-old returned for the 2023-24 campaign and averaged career-highs in points (21.0) and rebounds (7.3). Nonetheless, wherever Bridges lands this offseason, he should remain a top fantasy producer.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Phoenix Suns are expected to re-sign forward Royce O'Neale. The veteran was traded to Phoenix from Brooklyn ahead of the deadline and immediately provided much-needed depth to a team with minimal options on the bench. O'Neale appeared in 30 games for Phoenix, starting eight, averaging 8.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. With Phoenix strapped for cash and having little flexibility to make moves this offseason, O'Neale should get his share of minutes. Considering Devin Booker and Bradley Beal had trouble staying healthy, there's a realistic chance O'Neale will get some runs with the first five throughout the 2024-25 campaign, assuming he re-signs with Phoenix.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson has loved his spell with the team and wants to extend his stay. The versatile forward inked a two-year, $18 million contract with the T-Wolves in 2022. His playing time dropped significantly in 2023-24, which also had an impact on the rest of his numbers, but Anderson has pointed to family reasons as a major factor for wanting to stay in Minnesota. Playing for a successful team is definitely appealing for him as well. Anderson, who will turn 31 in September, averaged 6.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 22.6 minutes this season.
Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith will be a popular man in free agency after finishing off a three-year, $3.9 million deal. Speaking on the Locket On Heat podcast, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype noted that Highsmith "has a lot of interest around the league." The 27-year-old posted career numbers in multiple categories in 2023-24, averaging 6.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 20.7 minutes, with 39.6 percent shooting from deep. He hasn't been a fantasy factor, but Highsmith is seen as a good defender, and it looks like this will help him secure a good contract this offseason.
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Kelly Oubre Jr. is heading toward unrestricted free agency, but he could still remain in the City of Brotherly Love. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Oubre Jr. is among the players who the 76ers are most eager to re-sign in the summer. However, keeping Oubre Jr. might get complicated due to financial reasons. The 28-year-old was on a minimum-salary deal in 2023-24, and he will definitely be more expensive after enjoying a good campaign in Philadelphia. Oubre Jr. averaged 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 30.2 minutes.
Philadelphia 76ers point guard Kyle Lowry could remain with the team in 2024-25. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the 76ers are interested in re-signing the veteran floor general after he had a positive impact on the team during his short spell in 2023-24. Lowry signed a $2.9 million pact until the end of the season in February after getting released by the Hornets. A potential new deal depends on how much money Lowry commands in the offseason. The 28-year-old is well past his best and posted 8.0 points with 2.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 28.4 minutes with the 76ers this term.
New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein is set to cash in big on a productive season this summer. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Hartenstein will be able to draw at least $80 million, and perhaps upward of $100 million, from a team that tries to lure him away from New York in free agency. Hartenstein, who is coming off a two-year, $16 million deal, finished 2023-24 as the Knicks' starting center and proved himself as a versatile contributor. He averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 25.3 minutes during the regular season.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Gordon Hayward will be moving on this offseason following a disappointing stint with the team, and the Denver Nuggets might be a possible landing spot for him. Nuggets insider Harrison Wind has noted that he knows there are people within the club who are "fans" of Hayward. The 34-year-old was limited to 5.3 points in 17.2 minutes with the Thunder but started the season reasonably well in Charlotte. He could still do a job in a suitable situation. However, Hayward's play has steadily declined in recent years, and it looks like his days of being a reliable fantasy option are over.
According to NBC Sports Chicago's K.C. Johnson, the Bulls could be open to taking less in a trade involving guard Zach LaVine. The 29-year-old has reportedly been on the block on and off over the last few seasons. Initially, Chicago sought an All-Star-caliber player or multiple first-round picks in return. However, Johnson feels the Bulls would settle for less, considering both sides are "motivated" to make something happen this offseason. LaVine has averaged 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists throughout his career with the Timberwolves and Bulls. But he's battled countless injuries, recently appearing in just 25 games in 2023-24 before his year ended abruptly because of a foot injury. With that in mind, LaVine will could be wearing a different uniform when the new season begins in October. Yet, he should have at least a few more productive years on the horizon if he can figure out how to stay healthy.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey, the 76ers are hoping to bring back forward Nicolas Batum. The veteran was traded to Philadelphia early in the 2023-24 campaign after spending three seasons with the Clippers. He appeared in 57 games for the Sixers last season. While Batum was a welcome addition to the roster, he played well enough in his 38 starts by averaging 5.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. The Sixers hold his Bird Rights, so it's possible he could remain with the franchise. However, Batum likely won't be a consistent fantasy option anytime soon, although he has streaming potential when given extra minutes.
According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, executives around the National Basketball Association believe Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton will re-sign with the team. The 25-year-old has progressed substantially since entering the league in 2019, most recently finishing the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks. As a result, he'll likely draw interest from several clubs. However, things may not get that far, with the Nets anticipated to make a lucrative offer to keep him on the roster. Nonetheless, fantasy managers should expect double-double production from Claxton moving ahead. On the other hand, he's not a fantastic shooter from deep or the charity stripe, which is something category participants will need to keep in mind when drafting.
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) has been practicing. Not only that, but according to head coach Joe Mazzulla, the veteran did "everything the team did" during Saturday's session. It's certainly a good sign ahead of Thursday's NBA Finals opener versus the Dallas Mavericks. Porzingis appeared in four postseason contests before going down with a Soleus strain, averaging 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals. But since he hasn't played in over a month, he could see limited action in his first game back from the lengthy layoff. However, Porzingis will likely be on the floor enough on Thursday night to significantly decrease Al Horford's DFS value.
New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (shoulder) recently stated he'd "love" to remain with the team. The 29-year-old had shoulder surgery in April but hasn't resumed on-court activities. He's also eligible for a contract extension in August, although there are many who believe he could be traded, something the front office has denied. Without question, Randle has been a quality fantasy asset over the years, and he finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 24 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in 46 appearances. He should remain productive no matter where end ends up when the season begins in October. Randle could even benefit if given a more prominent role in another offense.
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving continued his quality play in Game 5, which vaulted the team into the NBA Finals after completely destroying the Minnesota Timberwolves by a score of 124-103. The veteran scorer finished the game with 36 points on 14-for-27 shooting overall and 4-for-10 from beyond the arc. He also chipped in five assists, four rebounds, and knocked down all four of his free throws. Irving has been heavily criticized for not being able to get deeper into the playoffs with anyone not named LeBron James, but he has found himself as the Robin to Luka Doncic's Batman, which has taken them to another Finals appearance. When it comes to scoring, Irving is only matched by very few.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic cashed in a big game along with his backcourt duo in Kyrie Irving to lead the team to their first NBA Finals appearance since they won with Dirk Nowitzki in 2010-11. The superstar guard posted 36 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and four turnovers while shooting 14-for-22 from the floor, 6-for-10 from deep, and 2-for-3 from the charity stripe. After missing the postseason altogether last year, Doncic and Irving have seemed to figure out the chemistry on the offensive end which has vaulted their team's potential to a new high. In Game 5, they combined for 72 points while the Timberwolves scored 103 as a team.
Minnesota Timberwolves center/forward Karl-Anthony Towns was the only player on the team outside of Anthony Edwards who scored double-digit points in a blowout loss that ended their season on Thursday night. In the 103-124 loss, Towns registered 28 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two turnovers while shooting 9-for-20 from the floor and 1-for-6 from downtown. The 28-year-old registered a solid season despite taking a backseat to Edwards and dealing with some more injuries. He posted 21.8 points, 8.3. rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.2 threes, and 2.9 turnovers per game while making his fourth All-Star game.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards put his best foot forward in Game 5 against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, but it wasn't enough as they suffered a blowout loss. The young star registered 28 points on 10-for-18 shooting with nine rebounds, six assists, one steal, one block, and one turnover. Edwards not only cashed in on the best season of his young career, but he proved to everyone that he could elevate his level of play in the postseason at the age of just 22. This year, he averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.4 threes, and 3.1 turnovers per game. He'll likely be a top-ten fantasy option heading into next season.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, there hasn't been any progress in contract talks between the Warriors and guard Klay Thompson. Golden State reportedly offered him an extension before the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign. However, Thompson declined, so there's a good chance he'll be an unrestricted free agent come July. The 34-year-old averaged 17.9 points and 3.3 assists while shooting 38.7% from deep, all down from the 2022-23 season. But teams are reportedly interested in his services, with the Magic, Thunder, and Sixers emerging as potential suitors. Nonetheless, it will be different seeing Thompson in a new uniform, although he could have a bounce-back year while playing for a championship-caliber club.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (knee, ankle) is available for Thursday's matchup with Minnesota. He was once again listed as questionable. However, there wasn't a chance he'd miss this contest, considering the Mavericks can advance to the NBA Finals with a win. Doncic has averaged 31.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 2.3 steals during the Western Conference Finals, making him the top DFS option for Thursday night.