In this episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, host Steve Hartman breaks down the Minnesota Timberwolves' gritty 119-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets to tie the series at 1-1. We dive deep into a "Plus-Minus" analysis of the performance, highlighting the tactical shifts and individual efforts that allowed the Wolves to reclaim momentum as the series heads back to Target Center.

The Plus: Winning Basketball

• Physical Tone-Setting: Julius Randle’s decisive 24-point performance and aggressive early mindset set the temperature for a successful bounce-back game.
• Elite Ball Movement: The offense hummed with 30 assists on 43 made field goals—nearly 70% of baskets—showing a massive improvement in flow over Game 1.
• Dominating the Glass: A relentless effort on the offensive boards led to a staggering 20-3 advantage in second-chance points.
• The Twin Turbos & Bench Spark: Bones Hyland and Ayo Dosunmu provided the "Turbo" energy off the bench, combining with Naz Reid to outpace Denver’s second unit.
• The Soul of the Game: Donte DiVincenzo’s "winning plays," including back-taps and a critical late-game triple, provided the essential energy needed to seal the win.

The Minus: Areas of Concern

• Defensive Discipline: Mental lapses led to multiple fouls on jump shooters and uncontrolled, late closeouts.
• Focus Fails: Giving up a dunk immediately after a made free throw and losing focus during a 19-point comeback highlighted dangerous lapses in concentration.
• Lost Momentum: A late 1st half lull let Denver regain momentum after the Murray halfcourt shot tied the game. The Wolves had controlled the 2nd quarter until poor shot selection and a couple lapses allowed the Nuggets to capture the momentum heading into halftime.

The Game 3 Blueprint: Keys to a 2-1 LeadLooking ahead to Thursday night, the Wolves must refine their strategy to protect home court:

• Controlled Closeouts: Shifting from frantic reactions to disciplined, high-hand closeouts to take away the three without fouling.
• Defensive Awareness: Anthony Edwards and the backside defenders must eliminate "napping" to prevent Jokic from exploiting cutters.
• Hunting the Stars: Continued pressure on Jokic and Murray—both on the defensive end and by pounding the offensive glass—to ensure the Nuggets' stars remain gassed in the fourth quarter.

Subscribe to the Splash City Basketball Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon, and follow us on Instagram, Blue Sky, and Facebook for more deep dives into the land of 10,000 lakes hoops.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

The Minnesota Timberwolves fell into a familiar trap in Game 1, showing flashes of brilliance followed by a lack of mental toughness and maturity. Host Steve Hartman breaks down why holding Denver to 116 points should have been a winning formula and how the Wolves let the game slip away through a "sticky" offense and constant complaining to the officials.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• The Rudy & Bench Bright Spots: Rudy Gobert looked every bit the four-time Defensive Player of the Year while guarding Nikola Jokic one-on-one. Plus, Steve likes the energy brought by Donte DiVincenzo and Ayo Dosunmu, who combined for 26 points and provided a much-needed defensive spark.
• The Jaden McDaniels Mystery: Jaden came out of the gates blazing with 10 first-quarter points, but then nearly vanished from the offense. We discuss the need for more consistent touches for the "X-Factor".
• The "Ant" Factor: Anthony Edwards was a perfect 5-for-5 at the rim but struggled everywhere else. Is his knee the reason he’s settling for contested jumpers, or is it a lack of focus?.
• Game 2 Blueprint: To head back to Minnesota tied 1-1, the Wolves must stop "chucking" and start punishing Denver’s lack of rim protection. Steve explores why more Kyle Anderson minutes and a "small and fast" lineup might be the key to breaking down the Nuggets' defense.

Can the Wolves find their offensive rhythm and level the series? Tune in for the full tactical breakdown!

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

The NBA’s newest rivalry reaches its "WrestleMania" moment as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets prepare for their third playoff meeting in four years. Host Steve Hartman is joined by Andrew Dukowitz (Zone Coverage, Hitting the Hardwood) to break down every angle of this high-stakes first-round series.

With the playoff history between these two teams currently tied at one series apiece, this "rubber match" carries massive implications for both franchises. Steve and Andrew dive into the tactical chess match, the "legacy" stakes for the stars, and why the Wolves might thrive as heavy underdogs.

Key Discussion Points

• The Murray Blueprint: Will the Wolves start Jaden McDaniels on Jamal Murray, or will they lean on the "trifecta" of Donte DiVincenzo, Ayo Dosunmu, and Bones Hyland to navigate the Denver backcourt?.
• The Rudy-Jokić Legacy Series: Is this the moment Rudy Gobert silences the critics? We discuss the philosophy of guarding Nikola Jokić—from "throwing the kitchen sink" at him to letting him score 50 while shutting down everyone else.
• Ant vs. The Nuggets Defense: Denver has historically struggled to slow down Anthony Edwards. With limited rim protection on the Nuggets' roster, can the Wolves’ offense turn this series into a "track meet"?.
• The X-Factors: Why Jaden McDaniels has "Scottie Pippen" potential in this series and how Ayo Dosunmu’s speed could punish Denver’s double-teams.
• Injury Reports & Rotations: The latest on Peyton Watson’s status for Denver and how his potential absence impacts the Nuggets' wing depth.
• Predictions: Andrew and Steve make their final calls on who advances in what feels like a coin-toss series.

About the Guest

Andrew Dukowitz covers the Timberwolves and Lynx for Zone Coverage and is the host of the Missing Wolves and Missing Links postgame podcast shows. You can find his work at Hitting the Hardwood and follow him on social media @adukemn.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.