Dwight Howard explains why Timberwolves can beat Nuggets in 5 games.
Dwight Howard’s bold prediction about the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminating the Denver Nuggets in five games during the NBA Playoffs has certainly raised eyebrows.
I said Minnesota in 5 and they thought I was crazy 🤦🏾♂️ stop acting like I don’t know basketball 🤡➡️https://t.co/uNuzZ4MC35 pic.twitter.com/SwjrAcdrMD
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) May 7, 2024
Let’s break down his reasoning:
1. Minnesota’s Total Package:
Howard believes the Timberwolves have what it takes to upset the reigning champions. According to him, they possess great coaches, depth, and three bigs who can match up against the Nuggets, including the talented Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert. Anthony Edwards, whom Howard calls “a leader of the pack,” adds to their strength.
2. Similarities to the 2020 Lakers:
Howard draws parallels between this Wolves team and the 2020 Lakers, the last team to beat a healthy Nuggets squad in the playoffs. Like the Lakers, the Timberwolves have an athletic lineup that can move swiftly. Naz Reid’s agility and Rudy Gobert’s stellar defense contribute to their Lakers-like qualities.
3. Pressure on the Nuggets:
After losing Game 1, the Nuggets are now under pressure. The Timberwolves managed to steal home-court advantage by defeating the Nuggets 106-99 in that game. Anthony Edwards showcased his scoring prowess with a 43-point outing, proving he can be the series’ best player.
4. Big Rotation Advantage:
The Timberwolves’ robust big rotation—featuring Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid—aims to disrupt Nikola Jokic. Howard likens this strategy to how the 2020 Lakers used multiple athletic bigs to stop Jokic. If successful, it could be the best shot any team has at slowing down the Nuggets’ star center.
5. Stifling Perimeter Defense:
Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards provide stifling perimeter defense for the Timberwolves. Edwards, in particular, could be the difference-maker in this series.
Dwight Howard’s prediction is bold, but the Timberwolves’ well-rounded roster and strategic advantages make it an intriguing possibility. They thought he was crazy and acted like he didn’t know basketball.
Fans reacted as follows:
The nuggets are cooked, you right, we need you back on the @Lakers
— Jay Landon (@JRock30331) May 7, 2024
Now where were you when the Sacramento Kings needed you? They still need you. Call them.
— Moodance (the cow moos and I dance) (@johnny45436859) May 7, 2024
Denver in 7 saw this movie before
— Cody (@nbaguru248) May 7, 2024
Comeback to Lakers for another year
— (La)(Lakers)2K24 (@MohammedKB24) May 7, 2024
5? This might end up a sweep
— Jaime Ceballos (@SupaStarr21) May 7, 2024
In 4 bro now
— Ramko (@SriramKonda8) May 7, 2024
Holy Cook big Dwight
— Lake Show since OW OW (@LAKESHOWSINCE00) May 7, 2024
Indeed @DwightHoward
— Cj (@_cjames007) May 7, 2024
Dwight I don’t question you, you know basketball.
I think you’re an underrated player when it comes to your IQ
— Benjamin Thomas (@LABenThomas) May 7, 2024
