Nuggets Coach Explains Team’s Struggles Against Timberwolves
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone provided insight into why his team has trouble competing with the Minnesota Timberwolves, attributing it to their mindset and approach to the matchups.
Meanwhile, on his podcast, NBA legend Dwyane Wade discussed how championships influence a player’s legacy. He compared the NBA’s historical hierarchy to a 30-floor hotel, explaining that while championships don’t define greatness, they grant players access to a different level of recognition. Wade acknowledged that if championships were the key to the top floor, he wouldn’t be there alongside legends like Michael Jordan and Bill Russell.
Wade emphasized that winning a title requires sacrifice, often at the expense of individual stats. He noted that while success in numbers can indicate greatness, true championship players must be willing to put team achievements above personal milestones. Despite being a three-time champion, Wade admitted that his stats could have been higher had he prioritized them over winning. However, his contributions to teams led by Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James cemented his place among the game’s all-time greats.
Returning to the Nuggets-Timberwolves rivalry, their competitive tension has grown since their 2023 playoff clash. Denver won that series en route to their first championship, but Minnesota got revenge in 2024, knocking out the Nuggets in the second round. Since then, the Timberwolves have dominated their regular-season matchups, holding a 5-2 record over Denver.
Coach Malone pointed out that the Timberwolves approach these games with intensity, while the Nuggets sometimes treat them as just another game. He stressed the importance of matching their energy, regardless of whether the team considers it a rivalry.
Minnesota has won the last three meetings, including a dominant 20-point victory in March 2025. Their latest clash will be the final regular-season meeting, with the Nuggets hoping to avoid a season sweep. Denver, currently 47-28, is pushing for the No. 2 seed in the West, while Minnesota, at 43-32, is fighting to stay in the top six to avoid the play-in tournament.
Stars on both teams are expected to step up, with Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokic both boasting strong performances in their matchups. As the teams prepare for another intense battle, the outcome could have significant playoff implications for both sides.
