What happened to Minnesota's defense??

Where did that dominant, top-ranked defense go for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs against Denver? This detailed film breakdown & scouting report explores how the Nuggets have adjusted behind Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray and Coach Michael Malone to solve the Timberwolves defense during the 2024 NBA playoffs.
Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/12kpkAv...
Support at Patreon: / thinkingbasketball
Book: www.amazon.com/Thinking-Baske...
Website: www.thinkingbasketball.net
Twitter: @elgee35
Find additional Thinking Basketball content on the NBA App, the More Thinking Basketball channel and the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
-----
Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by csus (instrumental)
#ThinkingBasketball

[@smuczc]

I’m happy for Aaron Gordon. His value is unleashed with the nuggets

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

And he plays with such joy

[@slatsgrobneck7515]

Skilled af and his motor is always on high!

[@kachow5830]

love how everyone says that about Gordon like they are wise old magic fans😂

[@cameronpowe7257]

@@slatsgrobneck7515more athletic than skilled

[@eyeconqueror1185]

@@kachow5830i actually am a wise old magic fan since 1989 lol. ok not wise.

[@JoshMalek933]

Nikola "if someone come to me i pass, if no one come to me i score" Jokic

[@RS-ol8or]

This game I think he saw Murray struggle a bit early on scoring, so he decided to take over. It's little recognition things like that that make Jok so special.

[@dusk6159]

MVP and absolute leader Best Nuggets ever, as he proved already years ago though

[@cyberbron2077]

@@dusk6159 melo is still ahead. When jokic wins 2 more rings and another MVP he'll surpass Melo as a nugget.

[@kennn30]

​@cyberbron2077 Melo has zero rings and zero MVPs...if you wanna talk about legacy so be it, but Jokic has FAR surpassed him as a player already

[@dusk6159]

@@cyberbron2077 What the hell did Melo do to be above Jokic and his Nuggets tenure?

[@Crundmama]

That third quarter from Jokic deserves a video all by itself. Sheer perfection.

[@phothewin6019]

Made the the Timberwolves look like they play in North Korea.

[@MrDiMES123]

Rudy gobert is the most overrated defender I have ever watched

[@Notawarriorsfan]

no

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

@@phothewin6019 Made the Timberwolves look like they play in North Korea's High School League.

[@coffeegaming8714]

​@@MrDiMES123he really defends well but jokic solved him again and again and again

[@josephharden5592]

Getting Aaron Gordon to bring the ball up makes him much more involved in the game (he was lost in the previous games)and it takes away the pressure from the guards... Brilliant move by the coach

[@leonardoyi3183]

I still feel Mike Malone is incredibly underrated as a coach. His work is brilliant.

[@timl9724]

Yup. Gordon was considered such a failure with the Magic. They spent so much time trying to figure out how to make him a star. They even tried to turn him into a point forward. That experience paid off big time though, after the trade. When the Nuggets picked up Gordon, it was viewed by many as a desperate attempt to replace Jerami Grant, but in hindsight, it doesn't get anymore perfect as a fit than to have the versatility and athleticism of Gordon at the 4. But another coach might've screwed that up..

[@t4d0W]

I think that was always part the adjustment considering the Nuggets have at least 3 ball handlers. Murray being healthier helps because he adds to the offense with his shooting and off ball ability. Which still gives Jokic options once more to punish the Wolves for going at him with multiple defenders. Or move off ball as well. As long as the Nuggets can get to half court within 6 seconds (or ASAP) they get to play their game again and the Wolves have to be tighter with switches/scrambles in that same space.

[@uuh4yj43]

​@@timl9724i keep thinking the same thing, gordon wouldnt be so effective and versatile without his years "failing" in the magic. its really interesting how a role shift made everything click.

[@mja4wp]

truth

[@wyotriumphrider]

3 Things: 1) Jokic 2) Bigs bringing the ball up instead of Murray 3) Clearing a side to give Murray space

[@blaisepablo9629]

4) jokic

[@michaelahurt]

Also their screens are better, they are pushing the pace, and they’ve done a much better job setting staggers for Murray so that his defender is trailing

[@xavierb9061]

4) wolves defense went from intense pack wolves to, theres more important things. Reflecting gobert missing game.

[@elmehdinafia1237]

4) Murray is shooting less FGS because he's not that efficient in these playoffs

[@fl3782]

i think they really need to get the G6 for more resting time

[@Dex000x]

Game 5 was like watching one of the Jokic Highlights videos. He had all the greatest hits in this one game. Full court pass, behind the back, step back 3, Dunks, no look passes, spin moves, bending magical passes around defenders to Gordon for the dunk. Literally the only thing he was missing was a triple double. Combine Dirk, Duncan, Magic, and fk'n Bird into one player and you get the Joker. It's just not a fair fight.

[@zerokiryuu-ig7wm]

He could have easily get that tripple D if he stat pad. He was 3 rebounds away from 3-D.

[@injusticeanywherethreatens4810]

Well Duncan had a sturdier lower body than Jok but I agree with you when you talked about the rest!

[@Phriedah]

That MVP award buff. Unfair.

[@skyepaul261]

The right hook off right foot was fucking nasty and didn't even make it into this video. This game was the basketball equivalent of a hot fudge sundae. Just an absolute treat.

[@Nisowyd]

@@Phriedahlol is that a real thing?

[@NedWellingtonNW]

credit to christain braun too hes also been taking off the load helping joker and gordon initiate offense

[@RS-ol8or]

Plus, CB has been the best overall defender on Ant IMO. Even better than KCP, who isn't as strong or laterally quick.

[@jasoncorona6427]

​@@RS-ol8orthank you for that! Ive been saying the same thing, CB is athletic and strong enough to defend Edwards 1 on 1

[@NotOneToFly]

@@RS-ol8or Truth. KCP is still incredible on smaller players, but his age is starting to show a little bit against players as explosive as Ant-Man.

[@mourathdas5405]

Yep he is locking down ant

[@Notawarriorsfan]

Dude is a nobody how is he locking down ANT🤦🏽‍♂️

[@VladimirElliot]

Joker doing what he did last night to Rudy to ANYBODY

[@gar1256]

Exactly. Everyone acting like their favourite player is gonna do better than gobert against jokic.

[@KyleWheeler-tw8hr]

We’ve seen this already. Jokic did the same thing to Anthony Davis

[@michaelahurt]

Yeah people conveniently ignore all the stuff Rudy also takes away from everyone else. Now you have a bunch of 🤡 talking about how Mutombo or Ben Wallace wouldn’t have “let” that happen like Shaq didn’t go for 33, 16, 5 on 57% shooting vs Mutombo and 27, 11 on 63% (!) shooting vs Ben in Finals It’s like people can’t admit Jokic is just that good.

[@domingow.17]

Especially draymond green the guy who was all too happy to criticize Rudy 🙄

[@argc]

Naz Reid ??

[@jgray2718]

I think it's gotten a little lost how good Aaron Gordon has been for the Nuggets. He does a decent budget Jokic impression now, handling the ball and orchestrating the offense when Jokic is resting. He never really had an identity in Orlando, rotating between athletic dunk monster, isolation scorer, and modern stretch 4. He was only really good at the dunk monster role when he got traded to Denver, where he immediately became their best post defender while doing a little light dunking on offense, but not much else. Now he's their small ball 5, second-string Jokic, ball handler, and more, without losing his strong defense or exceptional inside finishing. Malone has asked him to do a lot of different things in Denver and Gordon has really improved his game to the point that he's pretty legit at all of them now.

[@RS-ol8or]

AG has morphed his game to be exactly what Denver needs of him, being paired with Jok. Truly a selfless dude. Mr. Nugget!

[@VeteranVandal]

See, I think he was always very athletic and poorly used in Orlando, so his dunks never disappeared and his positioning was already great on court. What he probably needed was better coaching to get his good qualities expressed. And he came to a team that was really needing an athletic guy that knew how to space the floor to lighten the burden from Murray and Jokic, guarantee very efficient buckets, since MPJ is primarily a pure shooter.

[@BrandNewAlien]

I said it right before the commentator did, but he's really playing like a scottie pippen Jr fr does it all, best defender out there too

[@EJ-jw9ow]

Denver has a legit PERFECT starting 5 in terms of fit. You got the superstar best-player-alive (also the best passer alive) at Center, 2 elite shooters to space the floor (one of which is 6'10), a score-first PG who thrives in the 2man game & also an elite shooter who is just fine off-ball, and then the low-key PERFECT 5th man in AG, who has secretly become the best cutter and space-finder in the NBA. Which has really unlocked Jokic's other-wordly vision & anticipation. If they coulda just found a way to keep Bruce Brown, and Braun/Watson keep developing , this coulda been a dynasty. 3-4-5 rings. Their gigantic weakness is their lack of depth. One injury anywhere in that starting 5 & they become very mortal. That's why Brown was such a big loss. It's not showing rn bc they're all healthy (ish), but Murray/Porter are both kinda fragile. That insurance policy in Brown was a huge asset. If they all stay healthy it's irrelevant. But I just don't see them staying collectively healthy for the better part of a decade in order to achieve that (very-attainable) dynasty.

[@captainobvious90]

Someone compared him to Lamar Odom during the Lakers championship run, really aptly put, he is a Swiss army knife

[@16psyco]

I can't wait for the follow up video "What happened to Denver's offense??" and with a big picture of Rudy with a 4th DPOY written next to him ;)

[@jcsanpedro]

People discrediting Gobert's Defense is like discrediting Jokic's greatness, Dude's insane in Help Defense, but Jokic's light years ahead of everyone.

[@bmsuperstar1]

The defensive player of the year is nothing more than an anchor in an already good defensive system. Expecting of Gobert to stop Jokić in his track is foolish. A truly great offensive player will find a way to beat any defender, especially in this era where defenders have no room to operate. In the 80s and 90s the defenders were protected to a much larger degree, which I liked way more. Add to that the fact that the game was way more physical, and players themselves way more beastly, and you start to get the notion that guys like Jordan would average 50 in this era easily.

[@evangelinea.k.mcdowell82]

@bmsuperstar1 Get off your nostalgia goggles. The only reason people likes the 80s And 90s era is because Blacks Americans dominated those years nowadays it's no longer the case.

[@ryanheilman3807]

​@@evangelinea.k.mcdowell82 How do you figure?

[@mangalegends]

@@evangelinea.k.mcdowell82 Wtf?

[@mosstwig3591]

​@bmsuperstar1 guys in the 80s and 90s would get killed by current players. None of them were used to guarding past the free throw line consistently, dealing with tons of screens, and the pace was vastly slower. Not to mention they couldn't guard anyone without having to grab and push, they were slow on their feet. It's over for those defenders. Nuggets would average 140 a game against those teams.

[@obi3924]

It’s funny how Aaron Gordon simply bringing the ball up the court created a massive mismatch issue.

[@t4d0W]

I mean it makes sense. His handles are good enough to protect the ball until he gets it past half court. Then him and Joker/Murray can start their shenanigans. Multiple ball handlers for championship rosters have always been a great change-up against good defensive teams.

[@ryanmahon1]

I really think Minnesota needs to chill on the full court ball handler press. If it's AG then focus on getting the correct matchups set

[@Praetoriusify]

@@ryanmahon1 100%. They either get themselves into stupid mismatches or they have freaking Gobert trying to full-court press (which isn't going to happen).

[@robertomugabe11]

Thanks to Michael Malone

[@ljutko7]

Like Suns have 3 to bring up the 🏀...oh wait they have 0 😮

[@benc4968]

We’re absolutely gonna need that “what happened to the dynasty?!” video soon 😅

[@joehead4081]

Wolves watched this video for motivation in Games 6 and 7. Still waiting on the follow-up for those games

[@yunan9610]

That shoulder fake over the top of the back board shot got to be the most iconic shot. Against a 4x defensive player of the year, no chicken wing elbow trick, over the long arms of Gobert. Cleanest and most difficult shot Jokic ever did. That's just something no one else in the current NBA can do, or even for past few decades

[@MindAndMyth]

Besides dirk idk who else is making that

[@truthtelleranon]

@@MindAndMythTim Duncan but can’t think of anyone else

[@zorglub76]

I'm almost sure that he started practicing that top-of-the-backboard shot in preparation for the next year's Wemby...

[@yunan9610]

@@truthtelleranon they don't really do hook shots, especially outside of restricted area

[@samareno9238]

People questioning Gobert DPOY. That dude is a monster defender it just happens he is against the monster offensive player.

[@jameskeen3321]

Jokic probably worst match up for him.jokic iso game and passing means golbert can’t leave and assist elsewhere and thus greatly reducing his effectiveness

[@shoguny9939]

Jokic could have 20 assist this game if Gobert wasn’t a defensive monster. Malone and Nuggets adjust their game accordingly, now it’s the wolves time to adjust.

[@t4d0W]

@@shoguny9939 I think Ben is low key outlining in the video why the Wolves would have a 'hard' time adjusting defensively. The Wolves even in the ideal matchups where they have Gobert parked at the rim are still getting scored on by the Nuggets on half court in many ways. To a point where the Nuggets scoring pace is giving them double digit leads by half time in the last 3 games. With the Wolves unable to ever take the lead back. It also doesn't help that the Wolves offense can't keep up when the Nuggets beyond game 2 are scoring on a 127 offensive rating.

[@karljones7976]

no ones saying hes a bad defender, but wemby was def the DPOY. He had better stats in every category. The wolves defense is still elite with Gobert, while the spurs defense was literally bottom of the league without wemby

[@tpsam]

​@@karljones7976we literally saw wolves defend better in game 2 without Gobert send his ass to the bench

[@wp4872]

THINKING BASKETBALL is the reason why we ALL suffer in NORTH KOREA DEFENSE (HEDGE THE SCREEN!!) vs. AWFUL COACHING | GAME 4

[@jaseregalado2408]

😂😂😂

[@igotclampsonhof6288]

Shaq saying SGA deserved mvp ruined there defense

[@xsision5513]

Shaq really said SGA when Jokic and Luka exists

[@jona.scholt4362]

Shaq has always had the worst takes. He makes that show nearly unwatchable.

[@Notawarriorsfan]

@@jona.scholt4362Aww is someone being sensitive if you don’t like the show then don’t watch it🤡🤡🤡

[@Nisowyd]

Luka > SGA

[@st4r444]

Shai and ant have ugly 90s outdated offense. Iso ball hog

[@FlexSZN23]

This aged like a glass of whole milk in direct Arizona sunlight

[@josephmatthews7698]

Ive been begging for someone with a brain to talk about this and you answered my prayers!

[@lylaeloise3948]

May want to make another video because the MN defense is back This series is insane. When we think a team is out, they punch back again.

[@Pickn4Gold]

Gru, the freak of nature.

[@allank8497]

"WHAT HAPPENED TO DENVER'S OFFENSE?" when we getting that video?

[@noahwelch2931]

Personally, in my opinion, Rudy Gobert is one the best off-ball rim protectors I have ever seen. And in a 82 game regular season, that is so incredibly valuable (hence why advanced analytics love him and why he won DPOY 4 times). However from watching every Wolves game this year, Rudy’s biggest weakness is iso defense against big strong physical centers like Jokic, Sabonis, Zion, Davis, etc.

[@qwikscopez6619]

Funny thing is that if the playoffs series were a bit longer Rudy's teams would likely have a better answer to gimmicks and his value would increase. My hypothesis is that in an 11 game series he could be class

[@aleksaa24]

​@@qwikscopez6619 one of the takes of all time

[@shorewall]

All season I heard that Sabonis owned AD. I just think it's hard to guard good post big men one on one.

[@richatlarge462]

That's the exact analysis that I give to Wemby.

[@genocideangel1987]

Same situation for Ibaka back in 2014. Great off ball defender but got cooked by Old Man Duncan in the post in the WCF.

[@salvagaming4678]

This is Thinking Basketball 9/11

[@Hakwbebsu26]

What happened vs the mavs?

[@garthfanatic2]

Looking forward to the podcast... Gonna take the same stance on yourself as you did to Wolves fans after Denver came back?

[@nielsatoyab6065]

This video should need an update. The Wolves already won against Nuggets and manage to win both 6th and 7th game. .

[@rgonzalo511]

No theres nothing more to talk about

[@gymrat8164]

@@rgonzalo511series ended there’s a lot to talk about

[@rgonzalo511]

@@gymrat8164 There isn't bro. The TWolves made their shots the Nuggets didn't. Nothing changed tactically that warrants a video.

[@kartikaychoudhary8797]

​@@rgonzalo511lmfao what?

[@rgonzalo511]

@@kartikaychoudhary8797 Can't read??

[@MNVelo]

Looking forward to the “How Minnesota solved Denver’s solving of their defense” recap of game six 😂 I love the way both teams have had to adapt and adjust as their opponents strategies evolve. It’s been an off the wall series. As a T Wolves fan I can only hope we’re able to hang on.

[@Minnesotamelarky]

What happened to Denver’s offense?? Could you make a video on that now or nah

[@Rafa-uj2oi]

Don't worry, Jokic gave Antman the sixth so he can close it at home. Wait, see and enjoy

[@Minnesotamelarky]

@@Rafa-uj2oi nuggets in 6 I thought ? opinions change like the night and day

[@Minnesotamelarky]

@@Rafa-uj2oi Jokic missed the chance 😵‍💫

[@noahamankwaah9802]

​@@Rafa-uj2oiYou Jokic fans are a special type of delusional, lmao!

[@Rafa-uj2oi]

@@Minnesotamelarky totally

[@patrickgleeson2288]

No mention of the North Korea coaching?

[@particularlee]

Shaq and Wilt dominated with physical tools. Kareem with an unstoppable offensive move. Bill Russell was tenacious on defense. Hakeem and Duncan had ultimate post offense and interior defense, but not the perimeter game or the playmaking floor game. Jokic.. uses his body as well as anyone as a battering ram, but has the softest hands and most elite touch in addition to his arsenal of post moves and 3 point range. But no other center reads and controls the game like Jokic - the closest is actually Magic. Add in the post game dry humour and you got yourself the Joker, a true 1/1

[@austinphillips04]

Great analysis 👏

[@olafharoldsonnii4713]

Magic, Duncan, and Bird in one ☝️

[@fathotdoggy]

you forgot Bird

[@fathotdoggy]

I think Jokic is actually more Bird than Magic

[@KiyanPocket]

​@@olafharoldsonnii4713 Minus the All-time Great defense, but Timmy and Jokic both stay grounded when defending so it's close. The difference is Timmy's wingspan. As for post moves, I think Jokic's closer to Hakeem's post moves.

[@thedarkfrost2351]

Aaron Gordon has been so amazing for Denver. One of the best role players ever w his role there imo

[@samueltong8061]

I love all the new comments absolutely flaming Ben lmao, its time his biased ass gets called out

[@DR-qd7go]

Nuggets 0-5 against 50+ win teams in 7 game series. Wonder how Ben will try and spin this.

[@chenamabobber2636]

Awful coaching will always own him

[@rgonzalo511]

@@chenamabobber2636 Nah he wont Awful Coaching just cherry picks plays he's as lazy as it gets when it comes to analysis

[@pennsworth996]

Jokic has the heart of a champion....for breakfast.

[@philipwacker4629]

ouch xD

[@DR-qd7go]

You know Ben Taylor is big mad rn too 😂

[@rgonzalo511]

lol you so mad. He doesnt care bro he just does analysis 😂

[@DR-qd7go]

@@rgonzalo511 I’m happy chilling rn. You mad tho havin to defend him at all costs 🤣🫵

[@TolbertOseiOwusu]

Another coaching masterclass from coach Malone . And of course Ben Taylor with another teaching masterclass ❤️

[@Notawarriorsfan]

malone sucks wolves in 7🤡🤡🤡

[@raul5081]

​@@Notawarriorsfansucks so much he won a ring with one star and dismantled the best defense after two off games learning. Malone is good and Wolves can still win. Simple.

[@robertomugabe11]

@@Notawarriorsfan C O P E

[@euphonos5389]

3:25 - "classic Serbian wizardry" 5:06 - "Joker's just gonna twist Gobert to death, and... what is that?!" 6:18 - "Magic Johnson... I mean, Jokić..." 7:01 - "...he hits Aaron who attempts to baptize Gobert into the sect of Gordonism" "I just laugh" in disbelief how amazing Nikola Jokić is. He doesn't get as much credit he deserves because his work at an elite - even MVP - level is real consistent. Reminds me of Tim Duncan, actually.

[@Jonathan-qz9td]

"...he hits Aaron who attempts to baptize Gobert into the sect of Gordonism" that one killed me 🤣🤣

[@Toracubed1]

Wow...I did not see Joker knowing Gobert had to reset in the paint then immediately take it to the rack. Brilliant.

[@RS-ol8or]

The more you watch Nikola's game, the more you become amazed at the little things he does that make him so great and masterful. He just has a feel for things like that. Another is when he kills time off the clock during out of bounds when Denver has the lead. If done right, I've seen him burn 10+ seconds off the clock per possession.

[@Toracubed1]

@@RS-ol8or I made a comment of that exact thing a few days ago. They have been doing it since the regular season and it is a smart way to burn off 1-2 minutes of clock. Watching the team mill around and piddle with the inbounds, always have the ref check the ball then drop the ball in play and watch. Even the announcers last night made note of it.

[@pajolify]

70 pts in game 6

[@turbotravis2323]

This aged even worse after game 7.

[@Hakwbebsu26]

The comments are the reason why I nearly hate the timberwolves and can’t wait for them to lose. Mavs will humble

[@38mike]

AG's play has been touched upon a good bit, but when it's all said and done - his pairing with Jokic is SPECIAL.

[@maxmeier532]

Loved to watched him in last years play offs already. He is THAT guy. Him and Jokic pairing up and playing their A-Game puts every team in the league in big trouble.

[@frankenviews4069]

It's very Stockton to Malone, if John was a 7 foot Serbian.

[@Notawarriorsfan]

🗑

[@Bugzilla021]

Gordon bringing the ball up and facilitating the offense reminds me of what the Heats did to the Buck last year with Bam. Lopez was on him taking away their shot blocker from the paint and Giannis was on Kevin Love so he couldn't help out either. Brillant stuff.

[@akirosakuragi9279]

Shaq didn't come to the studio because he didn't want to admit his criticism was biased because of jealousy of Jokic and resentment of Steve Nash.

[@happytreefriends9976]

Aged like milk

[@hrvojerukavina8141]

No Superteam, no media driven narrative who will push his legacy, no bullshit excusies or injuries when he is beaten.. Just basketball and horses. Roll on Joka, love you to bits. "Playing basketball is very simple, but playing simple basketball is the hardest thing there is.”

[@1234jokerboy]

Reminds me of Warriors before KD joined them. An organically made good team.

[@calebburt180]

Something that is being proven this playoff is that changing your style of play mid series is one of the best things for these teams. Like, the Knicks are beating the Pacers bc they can go fast and slow, while the pacers can only play their best when they play fast. This proves it too, with the shift of play, the nugget regained life and are able to win this series. Crazy how they can do this simple thing and it is that big of an advantage

[@edseljohnarcales8500]

How about a video comparing Utah Gobert and Minnesota Gobert? How is he used in Minny compared in Utah.

[@TimAllen-fs2rg]

Its 3-3 ..... Cant wait for game 7

[@phothewin6019]

Minnesota plays like *THEY'RE IN NORTH KOREA*

[@curtiszyr]

How original

[@phothewin6019]

​@@curtiszyr SLIDE YOUR FEET, SHOW YOUR HANDS

[@therocklau]

It's 2001, sixers got the best defensive centre in the whole league and one of the best in history Mutumbo, and Shaq walked thru Mutumbo like he doesn't exist. What just happen with Jokic is exactly that, just like a prime shaq, a show of extreme dominance. Malone who is a great playoff coach has many tricks, chose to not use a trick against this really good wolves team, my starting five is better than yours, and My MVP is so much better than anyone else, I'm simply running an offense so my star players Jokic Murray in some possessions AG can go one on one often.

[@guy7934]

Mutumbo was old as hell man Shaq was in the middle of his prime

[@matthewrutters6842]

Shaq just elbowed him to death.

[@Anthonydu01630]

@@guy7934Mutombo was 33 or 34 in 2001 lol, Gobert will be 32 in june … So not a big difference.

[@kiaantrades]

Watching this after the nuggets just lost by 45 doesn’t feel right 😂

[@xfanatick7972]

Jokic was just crazy. No words for his insane effective but simple playstyle. He’s def one of my fav players

[@highdadd6526]

That's precisely why I like him, and I think it's also why so many former players, who are now podcasters don't. Personally, I don't get all the chest thumping, hand gestures, and assorted theatrics, after a good shot or dunk when you're losing. To me it's just wasted energy, and you look like a clown. Ya it's great you just posterised someone, but you're trailing by 15, knock off the showmanship and hustle your ass back to defend.

[@noahamankwaah9802]

So we are getting a Wolves video right? There's no escaping it now, Ben.

[@OldSchool82]

aged like a fine milk

[@KlayGoods123]

Yeah your analytics go out the door in close out games, historically teams have shot terrible in game 7s. But use the variance excuse I know you will

[@deaconblackfire2896]

*Holds the Nuggets to 70*

[@blaxson10]

Awful Coaching is gonna have a field day with this one. "Coaching coaching coaching!"

[@matt-tb6gt]

“WHY DID MY PARENTS HAVE ME”

[@lonleyduck]

Fight back bro

[@johnsnow6019]

And back it goes the other way

[@Jacob-gm4hq]

Bring ya ass

[@cj3091]

Why are you not talking about game 6 and 7 ?

[@obscurelight]

It would have included a lot of contradictions with the previous ones. And I still think the NBA is scripted nowadays, they allowed the wolves to advance so ANT becomes the new face of the league and bring hype arround watching basketball again so they can make profit

[@vitieubao5980]

@@obscurelightdid you even watch the game? They don’t even call foul for Ant near the end of 4th.

[@bajaj607]

He has a pro-Jokic pro-Curry pro-Luka anti-Harden agenda

[@kartikaychoudhary8797]

Nuggets fans coping hard even after a ring? So are you saying they gave it to Nikola last year as well? These type of clowns always amazed me. Y'all never stepped on any court ever calling other people actors who have honed and dedicated their entire lives to a sport. Jokic got outplayed by Naz reid in the 4th l, that's what happened because the Nuggets were too cheap to bring back their peices.​@@obscurelight

[@user-ws5nf6rz2m]

@@obscurelightu might be retarted jokic was pushing and elbowing every possession and had like 2 fouls 😂😂😂 jokic was barely getting breathed on and it would be called a foul. so many bad calls in favor of Denver that game

[@yaboycoconuthead7012]

We are watching greatness in Jokic

[@imlagging4]

Thought this was going to be a close ass matchup but someones always in control

[@RS-ol8or]

The Nuggs made the correct matchup changes and the Timmy's haven't had an answer.

[@murphrichard]

Jerry Seinfeld voice: What's the deal with Minnesota's defense!?

[@jacobcockerham8034]

Awful coaching was calling out this dude 😭

[@imnotblindbutiloveblindfol8449]

He didn’t really call him out I don’t think. At least not from what I’ve seen. He did respond to this channel calling him out though but it wasn’t a negative response.

[@magicmagic8188]

What happened?

[@alfredjjs]

who is that autistic guy

[@cheef825]

Awful thinking 💀💀💀

[@sonny_blade]

"Idiot thinking Basketball"🤣

[@bradhicks5558]

Best basketball analysis on any media platform. Always a joy. Always a learning experience. Must be why after only being posted for 2 hours this vid had 33,000 views!

[@z.nastoski7055]

Also a very good comment section - mostly regular viewers, a lot more decent debate than mindless arguing.

[@John-yh3je]

Nah, awful coaching is way better.

[@nickrowe4584]

The defense showed up in Game 6

[@t20981]

My condolences Ben Taylor. I know you were looking forward to having Jokic babies after they repeated. Sometimes there is more to sports than analytics. You are right 80 percent of the time but you can also be wrong and stubborn.

[@timl9724]

The Magic tried to turn Gordon into a point forward when he was there. At the time, the experiment was considered as a failure. Who knew that years later that experience would prepare him to take on the point responsibility as a key playoff adjustment.

[@t4d0W]

It was never a failure. He was never going to be at the same level as Draymond Green who has enough vision/handles to be an actual point-forward to feed two of the best shooters of this generation. If anything the Nuggets were blessed enough to let Jerami Grant walk when he wanted that big pay day from another team. They just scoured bad teams who had the skillset they were looking for to play alongside Jokic/Murray.

[@WizardofWestmarch]

@@t4d0W Nuggets didn't even let him walk. They offered the same money but Grant wanted to get more shots then he knew he would get in the Denver scheme so he went to Detroit anyway.

[@timl9724]

@@t4d0W you gotta admit, though, they got pretty lucky that Gordon had all those perfect little role player skills, and that the Magic were willing to trade him. I can't see other players working out that well.

[@t4d0W]

​@@timl9724 I don't think its luck. Gordon wanted out of Orlando then so the GM been working the lines to see who offers. Nuggets GM Calvin Booth probably saw the opportunity while he also had pieces. It was huge for the Nuggets then because it was a mid-season trade and Gordon was already showing promise with the 25 games he played with them.

[@matthewrutters6842]

@t4d0W The trade happened under Tim Connelly.

[@jmart0820]

Joker is the most complete NBA player right now. Also the most skilled Big man ever and its not even up for debate.

[@JosephRockford]

I mean Kareem might be the most skilled

[@frankfeng2701]

​@@JosephRockford Jokic is on another level, playing as a coach on and off the court, dissecting defense in real time.

[@MistyKathrine]

Really only ones who compare are Magic Johnson and LeBron James.

[@thanossanchez5324]

Y'all know Nigeria? A man from Nigeria was pretty good as well. Drafted in 1984, ahead of MJ, by the way...

[@JosephRockford]

@@thanossanchez5324 Hakeem had the best footwork ever

[@pilgrim1092]

Aaron is the keys for the nuggets, he's so so underated. MPJ can be a key too against certain team like the Lakers because you need size to guard him in th perimeter.

[@RS-ol8or]

MPJ is usually hit or miss. AG has multiple offensive and defensive dimensions to his game and value to Denver.

[@pilgrim1092]

@@RS-ol8or facts he's the third guy and some nights the second guy. What a player he is and a warrior if you need body.

[@maxpower9175]

Gotta give credit to the coaching staff for coming up with the strategies to counter the Wolves, as well as the players for executing.

[@elmehdinafia1237]

NORTH KOREA TYPA DEFENSE 😂

[@arcijeirojas]

Bro you gotta release a new vid. The timberwolves just defeated the nuggets in arguably one of the best game 7s of all time.

[@owmegwoagm]

A historic collapse!

[@arcijeirojas]

@@owmegwoagm Indeed.

[@jheymann69]

Really great video. I miss a lot of the little details you highlight. Thanks for helping me understand basketball a bit better!

[@JackFury]

Jokic happened. Guy is too smart to see the same defense repeatedly and not figure it out Not to not give the coaching it's props too

[@johnnysecular]

the only defence strategy left for Minnesota is to play better offence. They are actually doing fine on defence; of course they will concede baskets, it’s basketball! They are just making more offensive mistakes than Denver. This series has been amazing to watch.

[@OmnicroneRED]

The problem is that Minnesota is a mediocre offensive team. They were 17th in offensive rating this regular season and their offensive rating vs Suns was an outlier if only because the Suns is a weak defensive team compared to Denver. Their offensive rating in their wins against Denver is in line with their regular season's rating and didn't drop much on their losses. They are losing because their defensive rating plummeted and if their defense crumbles in game 6 like in the past 3 games they are going home, no way around it.

[@johnnysecular]

@@OmnicroneRED Minnesota’s defence was fine in games 4 and 5. They just made too many offensive mistakes, and yes they are not an elite offensive team, but that’s it they need to play better offence to win. i don’t think their coaches are reprimanding them about their defence, that would be absurd. they’re probably tweaking their offensive strategy and thinking of ways to stay focused while in possession. and look Denver missed a lot of open shots and lost by 40. sometimes Charles Barkley is right, if a good team misses too many easy shots they lose and vice versa.

[@user-hz3yo8dp8y]

Would like for people to highlight his subtle defensive moves. He’s the only one i’ve seen who blitz’s Ant on his pnr correctly - taking an extremely aggressive angle to combat Ant’s explosiveness. Insane stuff

[@user-hz3yo8dp8y]

Oh snap they did show it. 10:15. Look at the angle Jok takes defending Ants pnr. Fantastic

[@lapocasini1246]

Hes IMPROVING as a defensive player.

[@BrickyAimFail]

Love this channel, thx for the great work!

[@maxlin7208]

Great analysis, as always. Gotta love this group. great personalities, great skills, great chemistry.

[@downtowndeuce]

2:26 wow... Joker's ability to read and react is incredible. He jogged up the court and waited, then identified that he would have a mismatch on Edwards and demanded the ball quickly before the defense could set up. Amazing.

[@ForeverZero91]

Shaq's critcism about Joker being the MVP wakes up the beast inside Jokic

[@zapattacks171]

THIS FEELS LIKE NORTH KOREA

[@jakasmalakas]

Its the reason i can't bring a child into this world... i mean, is it that hard for the week side help to see man and ball?

[@qwertyutopia4667]

Feet set, seeing ball seeing man

[@zapattacks171]

ICE THE SCREEN THIS IS COACHING … COACHING COACHING COACHING *slams desk*

[@geckogeico2212]

Maybe it'd be better if we could see more... EFFORT EFFORT EFFORT EFFORT

[@lapocasini1246]

So, i dont know enough about basketball to know: Whos right? Is Awful Coaching right that Minn coaching is Horrendous, or is the Nuggets switch up offence tactics just hard to deal with?

[@ranielle9271]

Bro froze! Probably thinking how good Jokic's "defense" still is.

[@PodyTheCirate]

I hope Braun stays with us. He’s been so fun to watch grow with this team!

[@RS-ol8or]

Believe he still at least has a couple years left. Booth has made a point to draft the right players and hang on to them if they can produce. That said, look for Zeke and maybe Pickett to be moved this year.

[@truthtelleranon]

Braun has been a winner on every level. phenomenal pick up

[@z.nastoski7055]

He can be a great player. Smart, talented, hard-working, grateful for the opportunity to learn.

[@May_Odaigahara]

NOTHING HAPPENED TO THEIR DEFENSE AHHHHHHH

[@daneharris2242]

I look forward to these breakdowns . Thank you!

[@philipwacker4629]

One of the most exciting series I have seen in a while. From an initial arch of suspense to a analytical masterclass.

[@josephharden5592]

He hit Rudy with the Mikan, Kareem, DeAndre Jordan, Sabonis and the Joker 😅

[@danielquest8644]

Best basketball I have seen in years!

[@aaronrohrer1563]

Jokic doing his best Hakeem impression hitting Rudy with the dream shake like that

[@svenvath4622]

Best analyses out there. Keep up the good work.

[@matthewchau8907]

CB is insanely good at deciding a double teaming defence.

[@owmegwoagm]

Lol, alright jokic fanboy. Post a game 6 analysis.

[@EdgarAlanGarcia21]

loving the breakdowns Especially when it comes down to the MV3 & reigning NBA Champs.

[@ShniitSchneyder]

loved this, thanks!

[@CoryWillis]

What's up with so many dudes that could never find a home suddenly finding a home in these playoffs? DJJ, Justin Holiday, NAW, heck even Isaiah Joe was waived and hardly played to begin with in Philly. What a bunch of great stories

[@samueltong8061]

Bro is such a glazer, get off Jokic bro

[@bajaj607]

He has a pro-Jokic pro-Curry pro-Luka anti-Harden agenda

[@user-xt1oz4gs8k]

Great video. Thanks

[@gambelkashiwasan]

Thanks for your contribution to the PRK comrade - Kim