Nuggets star Nikola Jokic’s reaction to series-tying win should have Timberwolves fans worried

In the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers and in the current round against the Timberwolves, the Nuggets have had a bad habit of starting games slow. While they have been able to mount comebacks in most of the games, it’s not a pattern you’d like to continue throughout the playoffs.

In Game 4, the Nuggets came out of the gates firing on all cylinders. They would establish a sizeable enough lead that would prove too large for the Timberwolves to overcome. In one of the most memorable moments from the game, the Nuggets would end up scoring eight points in less than 20 seconds just before halftime. During this scoring flurry, Jamal Murray would land a buzzer-beater shot from beyond half-court.

Everyone had counted the Nuggets out, except for the Nuggets themselves.

“Never underestimate the heart of a champion,” said Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. “They were quick to write us off, but these guys, we won a championship a year ago. We went into Miami [in the NBA Finals], won two games in a row. This team has been tested time and time again, and we found a way to solve whatever’s been thrown at us.”

Even though the Nuggets have managed to get themselves back into the series, they know not to get too far ahead of themselves.

“This series is a long way from being over,” said Malone. “We’re not celebrating. It’s 2-2. … But what I found about our group is that they do believe in themselves. And more importantly, they believe in the man next to them. We have a group that is acting as you would hope a championship team would act.”

Jokic put on another MVP-like performance with 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Aside from this performance by the three-time NBA MVP, Aaron Gordon put on a clutch performance that helped seal the win for the Nuggets. Gordon would hit all of his first 10 shots before finishing the night going 11-for-12 with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.