The Nuggets are facing the Timberwolves in Game 4 of their first-round series. After losing two in a row, the Nuggets are on the verge of falling into a 3-1 deficit. In NBA history, teams falling into a 3-1 hole have rarely recovered.
The Nuggets’ 3-1 Deficit History
Of the 298 teams that have been down 3-1, 285 of them never climbed out. The 2020 Denver Nuggets twice survived 3-1 deficits against the Utah Jazz and LA Clippers. However, they then fell in five games in the Western Conference Finals to the Lakers.
Nikola Jokić’s Struggles
The Nuggets and their fans are hoping that Nikola Jokić turns things around in Game 4. What we’ve seen through three games has been some of Jokić’s biggest struggles at both ends in his personal playoff history. Minnesota paint- and rim-attackers have been on a mission to remind the world that defence has never been prominent in his quiver of marvelous skills.
The Timberwolves have put Jokić to the test. He has dual responsibilities, avoiding foul trouble first, and thwarting the scorer second.
The Nuggets have been outscored so far in the series by 11 points. Minnesota has dominated in paint points, 174-116, making 61.3% (87 of 142) shots from so close.
Denver’s Offence and Jokić
Picking up Jokić’s slack on offence is a task largely foreign to Denver. His reign as arguably the NBA’s best talent dates back to the start of this decade. His relative struggle right now probably is best corrected by Jokić himself.
- Ayo Dosunmu scored a playoff career-high 25 points in a Game 3 win over the Nuggets.
- Top priority for Jokić: Hit the shots Minnesota wants to give him.
The Nuggets would rather not put their resilience to the test in Game 4 of their first-round series against Minnesota. But it might not be their call, given how the Timberwolves have dealt with them the past two meetings.