The Nuggets need more from superstar Nikola Jokic to pull off comeback vs. Timberwolves

Center Nikola Jokic must show why he's on the verge of winning his third MVP to help the Denver Nuggets climb out of a 2-0 hole against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In Games 1 and 2 against the Timberwolves, Jokic averaged 24 points, 12 rebounds and 8.5 assists on 42.1 percent shooting. However, he also averaged 5.5 turnovers. Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has outplayed him thus far, averaging 35 points, five assists and 4.5 rebounds on 60.9 percent shooting. 

"Anthony Edwards has far and away looked like the best player in this series — and perhaps of any postseason series so far," wrote CBS Sports' Bill Reiter. "All while Jokic, the cool, celebrated, can't-be-troubled-to-worry big man has looked more demoralized than dominant."

To be fair to Jokic, he's facing a team that can match his size (6-foot-11). After Game 1, the star center told the media he feels like he needs a clone of himself to counter Timberwolves big men Karl-Anthony Towns (7-foot) and Rudy Gobert (7-foot-1), a four-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Nuggets guard Jamal Murray's current cold spell has put even more pressure on Jokic. In Games 1 and 2, he shot 28.1 percent from the field. He's dealing with a lingering calf injury, so expect him to keep struggling.

But Jokic is the engine that drives the Nuggets and his play will determine whether they can mount a comeback.

"Whatever the Nuggets are going to do in this series, Jokic must be the best player in this series," wrote The Athletic's Tony Jones. "We can cite Murray's calf and the poor series he's having. We can talk about the Nuggets' role players not playing well. But, for Denver, as much as anything else, Jokic must be better."

Heading into Game 3 on Friday, the criticism could motivate Jokic, who may want to remind fans why he's still one of the best players in the league.