Nikola Jokic known as out Timberwolves’ play, and Minnesota’s stars couldn’t consider it

The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves are rapidly constructing one of many NBA’s greatest rivalries. There’s a lot shared DNA between the 2 franchises, beginning with lead govt Tim Connelly leaping to Denver to Minnesota after laying the inspiration for the Nuggets’ 2023 championship staff. The Wolves ruined the Nuggets’ bid for back-to-back titles final yr by knocking them out of the second spherical of the playoffs in gorgeous style.

If the primary assembly between the 2 groups within the 2024-25 season is any indication, this Western Convention rivalry is simply going to get higher and higher.

The Wolves beat the Nuggets, 119-116, on Friday night time on the Goal Middle. The fourth quarter was a fascinating back-and-forth affair highlighted by Christian Braun’s vicious poster dunk on Rudy Gobert, and Anthony Edwards’ clutch shot-making stealing the present. Whereas Minnesota once more took this spherical, Wolves gamers have been nonetheless marveling at Nuggets star Nikola Jokic after the sport.

Anthony Edwards interrupted Rudy Gobert’s post-game interview within the locker room to speak about Jokic one way or the other diagnosing what play the Wolves have been operating popping out of a timeout within the fourth quarter. Edwards and Gobert have been in disbelief speaking about how Jokic knew what was coming though the gamers did nothing to point the set.

“We’ve a spy on the bench,” Gobert mentioned in jest. Watch the locker room dialogue right here, then watch the play:

The play occurred with six minutes left within the fourth with Denver holding a four-point lead. Popping out of the timeout, cameras confirmed Jokic calling out Minnesota’s play. You may see Edwards and Gobert within the video trade a fast look at one another to specific their bewilderment that Jokic knew precisely what they have been operating.

Watch the play right here. Jokic was everywhere in the entry move on Gobert’s roll to the rim, and teammate Aaron Gordon broke it up for a key turnover.

After the sport, Edwards known as Jokic the very best participant on the planet in his ESPN interview. Moments like this present what makes the three-time MVP so particular even past his unimaginable field rating manufacturing each night time.

Edwards has completely no filter in interviews. Right here’s one other humorous second from the locker room (warning: foul language forward):

The Nuggets have began off gradual, however their beginning lineup remains to be excellent, largely due to Jokic and Aaron Gordon. We’d like one other Minnesota/Denver sequence on this yr’s playoffs, thanks very a lot.