Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets — Game 3 Postgame Media Availability

[1:38] Chris, 11 points in the first quarter. [1:40] What did you see from your group collectively defensively [1:43] right from the start there? [1:45] Yeah, we locked in and into the ball. [1:49] Everybody kind of went in the battle that [1:50] was right in front of them. [1:51] It was really big, challenging everything, [1:54] just making everything hard all the way around. [1:59] And came out and just set the tone, [2:03] which is what we wanted to do here at home. [2:06] Just what can you say about Jaden's performance [2:08] overall on both ends of the court? [2:10] Well, it was spectacular to have that much energy. [2:14] I thought his offense was, I mean, his activity offensively [2:18] in the first quarter was outstanding. [2:20] Just trying to go get tips, loose balls, offensive rebounds, [2:28] 50-50 plays, broken plays, all that kind of stuff [2:30] was really good. [2:33] Defensively, it was outstanding tonight. [2:37] Yeah, I thought he was inspirational, no doubt. [2:40] 31 assists tonight on a night when he didn't shoot well [2:43] from the outside. [2:44] What do you just think of the, it seems [2:46] like they're really carrying out the offensive game plan [2:48] and how to get the best shots against this team [2:50] pretty consistently right now? [2:51] Well, they are. [2:52] They're going to make you work. [2:53] They're not going to let you come down and just shoot it [2:54] on the initial side. [2:56] And they do a really good job of trying [3:00] to really crowd our main guys. [3:03] So, you know, those guys have to keep staying in the flow [3:06] and keep finding things. [3:07] And we can't always predict where it's going to come from. [3:09] But if we keep trusting it, we'll be fine. [3:12] You mentioned before the game that Jaden had to back it up. [3:14] Do you feel like you backed up? [3:15] Did you talk to him about backing up what he said the other night? [3:19] I mean, not specifically, no. [3:20] I mean, Jaden is one of our intense and most ornery competitors. [3:28] And I didn't have any worry that he wasn't going to come out [3:33] and try his darndest to back up whatever was said. [3:38] But ultimately, saying things is neither here nor there. [3:43] It's got to go out and play the game. [3:45] And again, he was special tonight. [3:48] What kind of lift did Io give you offensively, [3:50] especially in the first half tonight? [3:53] Yeah, I've been waiting for him to wake up a little bit. [3:56] This series is kind of like wading into the waters. [4:00] And it's, you know, every game's a little bit better. [4:02] And now, you know, the downhill mindset [4:04] that he played with all season for us, you know, was back. [4:08] I thought he was a little tentative to do that [4:09] in the first couple games. [4:12] Just kind of feeling his way through it. [4:13] Obviously, it's a big playoff experience for him. [4:16] And he just answered the bell, you know, when we needed him. [4:21] I mean, just whether it was in transition or cutting. [4:25] It was outstanding cutting opposite actions today. [4:28] Got some easy buckets where we needed it most. [4:30] So it was fun to watch him play. [4:33] How much the offensive game plan was just to go right at Jokic, [4:36] right at the rim until they stopped you? [4:39] I mean, you know, we want to obviously, you know, [4:44] we try to go to the rim every night, you know, every single night, you know. [4:49] And they did a good job with their zone and their little combination defense there [4:54] where they went zone and went man and kind of confuse us a little bit. [4:59] But other than that, I was really pleased with the way that we attacked tonight. [5:02] Chris, without Aaron Gordon, how did the game plan change right before the game? [5:06] Did y'all try to attack more with him off the court? [5:09] Well, you know, he's a phenomenal player and he's a really, really, really good fit. [5:13] He's like the perfect fit for that team. [5:15] And, you know, that's why they're a championship team. [5:18] And so that was a big miss. [5:19] You know, he does a lot of things for him from handling to the dirty work, to the defense. [5:25] So we felt there might be, you know, a scoring void and we just had to make sure [5:32] that we didn't let anyone step up with a career night against us. [5:35] How much has Rudy's defense on Jokic made your defensive game planning simpler and better as a result? [5:44] Well, I mean, yeah, Rudy's making us all look good right now with his defense. [5:49] The game plan's, you know, evolving as a series of game plans tend to do. [5:54] You know, they do a lot of things that really test you, you know, with that two-man game is probably the best, [6:01] if not the best in the league, and they've done it for a long time. [6:03] So you got to stay locked in, and, you know, Rudy's done a great job with handling a lot of things that they're trying to throw at him. [6:11] Aside from a lot of fouling, is there anything you can see in this game that was criticizable? [6:17] Yeah, I mean, no, I mean, just fouling was, you know, a lot of fouling, of course. [6:23] I mean, when they really didn't have a lot else going on, I thought that the fouling was irresponsible at times. [6:30] But, you know, other than that, just, you know, some of our offense was a little kind of grindy, you know. [6:36] I didn't like it, but eventually we got it going, so. [6:40] Ant only played 23 minutes. [6:42] Was that just about getting him as much rest as possible in a game like this? [6:45] Well, he's in foul trouble. [6:46] I mean, every time it turned around, I had to take him out of the game, you know. [6:49] So, and then we didn't need him in the end, thankfully, and so he gets a chance to get some rest, and, you know, we need him back, you know. [6:57] But I know he's happy. [6:58] He doesn't care. [6:59] We win. [7:01] Chris, what got you guys out in transition as much as you did today? [7:05] I mean, we're getting a lot of stops, you know. [7:07] A lot of stops, quick outlets, you know, I think, and a concerted effort. [7:12] You know, Dante, Io, Bones, you know, Jaden, those guys were really, really, like, trying to, you know, get out of the gates quick. [7:21] And they were doing a good job of doing that. [7:23] Chris, just 11 turnovers tonight. [7:27] No one on the team had more than two. [7:29] Just, for a team that's kind of struggled with ball security, just what's gone into kind of that change coming into the playoffs? [7:36] Yeah, I think, you know, some of it's just a mindset to take care of the ball. [7:41] Less careless mistakes out there, you know, less risky plays, less risky passes. [7:46] And, you know, some of our high turnover guys have done a really good job when they have had the ball in their hands and their decision making. [7:53] So I think, you know, it helps. [7:54] Coach has done an unbelievable job of preparing the players of what things are going to look like out there. [7:59] I think that certainly helps. [8:00] But the players, you know, they're locked in and they're taking care of it. [8:04] We talked about him a lot in this series already, but Dante's led you in plus minus every game. [8:08] Yeah. [8:09] What is it about him that you think just makes him a really valuable playoff player? [8:13] Yeah. [8:14] He just makes so many hustle plays, so many, like, momentum plays. [8:20] He makes so many plays, different style of plays. [8:23] Like, he'll make a shot, he'll get a transition bucket, he'll rebound, he'll get a steal, he'll blow something up. [8:29] You know, he just makes so many different plays. [8:32] He's just a basketball player, you know? [8:33] So, thanks. [8:37] Thanks. [8:43] David, given our last game ended, it was game seven before that, McDaniels comments after the game. [8:48] Just how did this group come out so flat tonight? [8:52] Well, I didn't, I mean, the shooting was, you know, really put us behind the eight ball to start the game. [8:58] You know, they only gave up 25 points in the first quarter. [9:00] That's actually a very good number. [9:02] We just had a hard time making shots tonight. [9:05] And I think, you know, we talked about it after the game, our physicality offensively has got to get better. [9:10] I thought our physicality defensively in the second half was much better. [9:14] You know, I went small. [9:15] I tried to put a shooting lineup out there, and that led to what we knew could happen, the size issue. [9:21] I mean, it's just the way it is. [9:23] They got to the paint, and then if you double that with transition, you know, that's just, you're going to put yourself in a tough spot. [9:29] You know, not to mention only 39 points at the half. [9:32] So I did think throughout the second half we found some things defensively, but offensively we've got to screen better. [9:37] We've got to cut better. [9:38] We've got to handle the pressure much better than we did tonight. [9:41] David, Rudy's defended Nicola very well in this series. [9:47] They've defended him as a team very well. [9:49] Are you concerned at all about the five for 16 from two-point range? [9:52] Like, is there anything that you're seeing as far as just his touch inside the arc right now? [9:56] He just missed. [9:57] I mean, I really mean it. [10:00] I think, you know, I thought the threes were actually really good shots for the most part. [10:05] The two-point shots as far as the face-up jumpers, getting to the rim. [10:09] You know, these are things that he's going to do. [10:11] You know, and he had a tough night, and it happens to players. [10:15] You know, this guy's played a million playoff games. [10:18] There's nights that are poor, you know, and I think he'll bounce back. [10:22] And I think he just needs, everybody needs a day to understand that we just did not play well offensively. [10:27] I mean, you look at the stats. [10:28] We only had 10 turnovers in this game. [10:30] You know, it just was the pressure. [10:31] I thought we didn't exert physicality, you know, offensively to help each other out. [10:36] And I thought when we got sped up from their pressure, that led to some unorganized possessions in the first half. [10:42] And we have to understand, on the road, much like last year with the Clippers series, you have to execute. [10:48] You've got to get great shots each time down. [10:50] And obviously, everybody tonight struggled from the field, shooting 34%, 25 from three. [10:56] That's not who we've been throughout the season. [10:58] And usually on those kind of nights, I would come in here and say, we can't turn it over 19 times. [11:02] You have 30 points. [11:03] That's not what happened today. [11:05] So, lots to improve on offensively, and a lot of stuff I think we can build on defensively. [11:10] And then did you feel like the transition defense when it struggles, especially in the second quarter, [11:14] did you feel like that was kind of an uncharacteristic thing for this group? [11:17] Yeah, and I thought, you know, the back-to-back plays, right, to call timeouts. [11:21] You know, one was off a make, and then the next one's off a miss. [11:24] Slow developing, one pass, throw it up the sideline. [11:28] Guys were trying to get back to their matchups as opposed to just matchup. [11:32] You know, they're going to play faster in this building than they do on the road. [11:35] All teams do. [11:36] And it was, you know, it's unfortunate because I thought the group that started the second quarter [11:39] really competed. [11:41] A really shout-out to Zeke, Spence, the way they competed. [11:45] But every time we'd make a run, we'd give up a runaway layup after a make or a miss. [11:50] You can't do that in a playoff game. [11:52] So, we'll definitely watch the film that has to get better. [11:54] David, what do you feel like you guys can do to get guys like Christian and Cam going offensively, [11:58] so it's not so, so reliant on Jamal and Joker offensively? [12:02] Yeah, I really mean this. [12:04] I think to get those guys going, they have to screen better. [12:07] You know, if you can free up your best players, that's going to bring rotations. [12:10] That's going to bring a low man. [12:11] That leads to ball movement threes, things of that nature. [12:14] So, yeah, I know they're frustrated. [12:16] Everybody was frustrated today. [12:17] You know, our two best players in the field obviously really struggled. [12:21] You know, and so we'll look at the tape and we'll get better at it. [12:24] Now, if I have to simplify actions to make it easier for these guys, we can do that. [12:28] And sometimes you have to do that against pressure. [12:30] Like I said, last year was the same thing in the playoffs. [12:33] Sometimes you have to dumb things down to be better because it gets you organized [12:37] and gets you into simple actions just to free each other up and make the game easier. [12:42] So, we'll go through that. [12:43] We'll talk about it. [12:44] We talked about it after the game, but it needs to be seen on film. [12:47] You mentioned the size in this matchup. [12:49] You know, you'd miss Gordon and Watson in any matchup, [12:52] but particularly how much are you missing what they do? [12:55] Yeah, we are. [12:56] You know, it's just when Randall's ball at the nail or Reed, whoever it is, [13:02] we just have to be much more active to come for the ball. [13:04] You know, especially if it's not DeVincenzo's the next closest man. [13:08] We did it a few times, but we can do a better job. [13:11] And I'll admit it. [13:12] Like, you know, you're gambling if you play small against their team, [13:15] but you're hoping that translates offensively, that you're going to get better shots. [13:18] And we did not do that tonight in the first half. [13:20] And then that led to, you know, honestly a lot of mismatches down there with the bigs, [13:25] the way they play. [13:26] So, if I have to, you know, I'll continue to play a Zeke, a Spencer. [13:30] You know, guys that can battle in there a little bit more. [13:33] But, again, at some point that small lineup has to click offensively. [13:37] If they can, we can attack the two big lineups they play with. [13:40] I'm sure you'll have more answers probably tomorrow, [13:42] but is there any optimism for either of those two? [13:44] I have no information tonight. [13:46] You know, I think they'll come in and see the trainers in the morning, obviously. [13:50] We'll meet in the afternoon, so they'll give me a chance to, you know, [13:53] have half the day to wait and get a solid answer from the training staff. [13:57] Because I do think, out of fairness to the team, [14:00] we want to be prepared for who's going to play that next game. [14:03] You know, I think that's – it just helps you, [14:05] because you guys know the expectation of what's going to be that night, [14:08] as opposed to today where we were scrambling a little bit. [14:12] But it happens in the league. [14:13] It's just the way it was. [14:14] It's the way it was. [14:15] David, I know you've been in a couple of Game 7s, [14:17] but just how this has developed, is this your biggest challenge, [14:22] getting them ready for Game 4? [14:24] I mean, it's very similar to the Clippers series last year. [14:28] Like I said, we lost a really tough Game 2. [14:31] We got the doors blown off us, you know, in L.A., [14:34] and the guys came back with a really good mindset in Game 4. [14:37] And like we talked about in there, this is a playoff series, [14:40] and there's so many ups and downs. [14:42] You see blowouts across the league. [14:44] You see buzzer beaters. [14:45] You see tough wins, tough losses. [14:47] But the bottom line is it's first to four. [14:49] And we have another great opportunity in a couple of days to regain control of it, [14:53] take it back to Denver the right way. [14:55] And I really mean it when I say this. [14:57] It's – we've been down 0-2, tied at 2-2. [14:59] We've been down 3-1. [15:01] And we've seen all these things. [15:03] So, the panic's not going to be there. [15:05] It's just – but without the panic, there has to be a responsibility to get better for Game 4. [15:10] And I mean it. [15:11] After a loss, two straight losses, there were positives to look at and to build on. [15:16] And then there was a ton of negatives that we have to get better at [15:19] and to be more successful on the offensive end. [15:21] Yep, thanks guys. [15:23] Yep. [21:14] Possible for Murray and whoever I'm guarding really and just – [21:19] He called you the team's orneriest competitor. [21:24] Wait, what is that? [21:25] What's that mean? [21:27] By Steve. [21:29] Oh, yeah. [21:30] Oh, yeah. [21:31] Dante said in a loving way that you were crazy. [21:35] Nah, for sure. [21:36] Because what do you think when you hear those comments [21:40] and what kind of energy do you try to bring to this team? [21:44] It's funny like when they say stuff like that. [21:46] They know my personality. [21:47] They see me every day. [21:48] So, it's all cool with the jokes. [21:50] And really just trying to bring that edge to the game of where like just competing in a non – [21:57] like non-controllable, just always competing no matter if I score zero points, [22:01] if I'm making shots or if we're getting blown out or even – [22:05] it don't matter who's in. [22:06] They put their second group in and I was still picking up full court. [22:09] So, it just don't really matter. [22:11] Just continue to play how I play. [22:13] Jamie, are you surprised at all at how effective you have been – [22:16] you and your team have been at getting to the rim and finishing against this team? [22:20] Nah, I mean we're all super versatile. [22:22] Like you see Aya bring it up, Dante, Nas. [22:25] It don't matter who brings it up. [22:26] Anyone can be in the pick and roll. [22:28] Rudy set good screens and it just allows us to get downhill and just play off the catch [22:33] or just make the right read. [22:34] Jayden, you said after game one if Rudy plays like that, [22:38] that you guys are going to win this series. [22:40] He's kind of stacked up three good games in a row for you. [22:43] What's standing out to you about what Rudy's doing? [22:45] He's not backing down. [22:47] He's not messing up on no defensive coverages. [22:50] He's holding us accountable and we're holding him accountable. [22:53] I mean it's just what we know as Rudy Gobert. [22:57] When you hear the name, you know, four-time defensive player of the year [23:00] and just it's a great person to have on our team and just got to keep being himself. [23:06] You guys have sometimes some games where you get out and run a lot like you did tonight [23:12] and then sometimes that doesn't happen as much. [23:14] What gets into you guys when you got the transition game going? [23:17] It kind of feels like an AAU game. [23:20] A lot of freedom, a lot of passing, a lot of alley-oops, dunks and stuff. [23:24] So it makes the game fun for us and like we're a young team I would say. [23:28] So Jay, it's just a superpower for us just being able to outrun people [23:32] and whoever gets the rebound can push or throw a pass ahead. [23:35] We are very loved in this state. [23:38] But how does it feel to come out to like all these signs about the defenders [23:42] and like everyone just showing you so much love today? [23:45] No, I love it. [23:46] I mean, Minnesota, they've always brought me in with open arms even when I was a rookie. [23:51] So just seeing stuff like that and them getting loud when I come in the game is just a blessing. [23:55] And I appreciate everyone that does that and supports us and supports me. [23:59] Jayden, you had the three-pointer at the end and then the big dunk. [24:04] Just like what kind of goes through your mind when you're putting the dagger in at the end there? [24:09] Nothing really, just finishing the game and just playing to the buzzer just goes off [24:14] and just staying aggressive and no matter who's in front of you just being aggressive. [24:20] Ten rebounds tonight. [24:21] You didn't really make any bad decisions on offense. [24:24] I mean, is it just kind of how we were talking before this series of just like that extra week of game planning [24:30] that's made you kind of up in your effectiveness or are you just kind of feeling it against the matchups? [24:36] I mean, it's playoff basketball so you got to do whatever you can to win [24:40] and that's what I try to do, not mess up on offense or defense. [24:45] I know it's hard to play a perfect game, but just making sure I can get as close as possible to it [24:49] and just being confident while I'm playing. [24:51] Jayden, knowing that they don't want to go down 3-1 on Saturday night, [24:55] how much more challenging is it going to get to maintain that level of excellence you guys showed here today [25:00] to kind of dodge a desperate team that might be on Saturday? [25:03] It's going to be a challenge for sure. [25:05] We expect them to come out hard and nobody wants to go down 3-1, [25:08] so we're expecting like a big punch from them, but just we stay disciplined, [25:12] continue to listen to the coaching staff and what they have for us. [25:15] I think we'll be all right. [25:18] What do you think of Io's game off the bench today? [25:21] Io, I mean, he did a great job getting downhill, making the right play. [25:26] And that's like when we first got him, that's something I noticed that he's super fast. [25:30] Like he does one move and he's by the person, so I mean, and he also works out super hard, [25:35] works out all the time, so I always see him in the gym. [25:37] It's just a blessing for him and great to see him have a good game. [25:41] What role does emotion play for you in games like this, both positively and negatively, [25:47] and trying to like both use it while also like keeping it in check? [25:51] I don't know. I really try not to get too emotional, you know. [25:55] I might say something if a foul call or something, but just controlling my emotions has been a big thing for me, [26:01] just if not like letting other things affect my way of play. [26:05] So just kind of stay even keel and like if it's bad call, bad call, just go with the flow. [26:11] Jaden, you had, you know, you said you spoke your truth and it went viral and et cetera, [26:17] but then you go out and score 68 points in the paint. [26:20] It looked like what you said was a prediction. [26:23] Why were you as a team so successful getting inside in a restricted area? [26:28] I would say just us playing aggressive, like not letting them one time they cut us off, [26:34] not letting that just make us pass, just keep going if making a second move on the defender [26:39] and just playing this space, I would say getting downhill and transition a lot helped, [26:44] and then like attacking mismatches really. [26:47] Jaden, what does Dante do for you guys every time he's on the court? [26:50] He always do something. I always call him a daredevil. [26:53] He's going to dive on the ground. He's going to do whatever it takes to win. [26:56] And he always hitting threes and whatever he does after that's a plus for us. [27:00] And he always has great energy. So, I mean, we all love Dante. [27:03] Jaden, the crowd obviously got into you guarding Jamal Murray. [27:08] How did it feel personally locking him down? [27:11] And did you take that personally, that matchup? [27:13] Yeah, I'd take any matchup, whoever I'm guarding personally, [27:17] just it's just a pride thing and thing that I love to compete. [27:20] And just, I hear the crowd, but like I don't like, like look at them and see stuff. [27:25] But it's just, when I hear him getting loud, that means I'm doing the right thing. [27:28] So, it's pretty cool. [27:29] Jaden, Cam Johnson, after their shoot around, kind of mentioned in regards to your comments [27:36] that you guys have been talking all series. [27:38] I mean, you're one of the better trash talkers on this team. [27:41] Like, how much does that motivate you guys when you're talking and kind of backing it up? [27:46] Um, I don't know. [27:49] Like, just playing Denver really motivates us. [27:52] That's enough for real. [27:53] Just playing against them. [27:54] We don't really care what they say. [27:56] Just the number and the name across their chest make us play like this. [27:59] Thanks, Jaden. [28:01] What's it, boy? [28:04] I got you. [28:05] Gatorade. [28:12] Ayo, tonight, especially in the first half, what was maybe different for you in terms of your mindset [28:26] and what you wanted to do out on the floor as opposed to maybe the first two games of the series? [28:31] Yeah, I mean, each and every game is something different. [28:36] Watch your field. [28:46] Prepare. [28:49] Prepare. [28:55] Use my speed. [28:56] Use my quickness to get to the paint. [28:58] Great plays and finish. [29:00] Or if I couldn't finish, you know, pass the ball out. [29:03] And I think I was a bit more decisive today. [29:06] I think I was very decisive, you know, going north and south. [29:10] And it paid off. [29:12] Ayo, obviously you came here just a few months ago to get the call up to this team [29:18] and then have such a big game in the playoffs, a career high in the playoffs. [29:20] I mean, how did it feel knowing that this team wanted you and you stepped up when they needed you to? [29:24] It's a blessing. [29:25] Each and every day, you know, I sit back and I thank God for giving me this opportunity to be here. [29:30] You know, being on a winning team and a winning culture and, you know, have an opportunity to play in the playoffs. [29:35] That's something that, you know, each and every competitor, each and every kid dreams of. [29:39] And I was spoiled my rookie year, you know, made it to the playoffs. [29:43] And I'm in my fifth year now, so I went, you know, four seasons without being back in the playoffs. [29:49] So this is something I can't and I won't take for granted. [29:52] So just having an opportunity to play in the playoffs, it just puts a sense of urgency on my back [29:57] and a chip on my shoulder knowing that, you know, you can't take this for granted. [30:03] You know, you never know when you will be back. [30:04] So each and every game, each and every day, each and every scout, I'm giving them all. [30:09] Why do you think you and your teammates have had such good luck going to the rim and finishing in this series? [30:17] I think we're being decisive. [30:19] That's what it's all about. [30:20] Each and every game, you know, it's the playoffs, so you want to win each and every game. [30:24] And we just being decisive with our movement, you know, getting downhill, reading the closeout. [30:29] And, you know, you never know. [30:31] Next game might be the game where, you know, I think today we may 9-30s. [30:36] Next game we may make 20. [30:38] You know, whatever the game causes, I think that's very important and very pivotal to focus in on. [30:44] And tonight it was, you know, getting downhill, getting to the rim, putting pressure on the rim. [30:48] Rudy, you know, doing a great job on Jokic. [30:51] Jayden doing a great job on Jamal. [30:53] So, you know, putting those guys in action and just, you know, having them have to guard our movement, move them without the ball. [31:01] And, yeah, it's been paying off for us. [31:04] Iowa, Jayden was kind of in the spotlight the last couple of days after what he said after game two. [31:10] Just how did you see him kind of lead the way tonight and set the tone right from the start? [31:15] He's a phenomenal player. [31:16] You know, we're a brotherhood, you know, tight-knit group. [31:20] So, you know, what he said in the media at the end of the day, we're in the locker room with him. [31:26] You know, we're going to war with him. [31:27] So, he led the way. [31:29] Did a great job. [31:30] Guard Murray the whole game, full court. [31:32] But the main thing, we want to, you know, let him know that we got his back and, you know, that we're here for him. [31:37] And, you know, just give him that sense of relief that, you know, when you go out there, you're not out there alone. [31:42] And he's showing us also by telling us, like, yeah, I'm here, I'm playing hard. [31:46] And that's contagious. [31:47] You know, when you see a guy, you know, giving his all, each and every possession. [31:51] As a competitor, you want to make sure you follow that lead. [31:54] And so, he showed that tonight throughout the whole game. [31:58] And it was great. [32:00] Iowa, they're bracketing and doubling. [32:02] And it seems like you figured out, like, some weak side cuts, you know, curling off screens. [32:08] Like, what did you see in the film that looked like it was open because it felt like it was open tonight? [32:14] For sure. [32:15] I definitely think a lot of times in this series, you know, Ant is going to see a lot of double teams. [32:20] Julia is going to see a lot of double teams. [32:22] So, whenever I'm on a weak side, I try to just make the read, whether it's a shot or whether it's getting downhill. [32:26] And once they put two on the ball, that's giving us an advantage. [32:30] And I'm able to use my speed, use my quickness to, you know, get into angles, put pressure on the rim. [32:34] I think that's very important, you know, getting those points. [32:36] And that's just how I play the game. [32:38] I try to play the game the right way. [32:40] I never, like I stated again, I never, like, go into a game and say, you know, I'm going to shoot ten free throws [32:45] or I'm going to shoot ten threes. [32:46] I just go out there and play and just read and react. [32:48] And whatever the defense gives me, I'm going to take it. [32:50] And, you know, Ant, you know, all NBA players, so he's going to see all the attention. [32:55] He's going to see the double teams. [32:57] He's going to see all of the defenders loading up on him. [33:02] So when he makes that pass to the weak side, it's giving me an advantage. [33:05] And I try to take advantage of it because that's a compliment. [33:07] Anytime, you know, you see a team putting double teaming a guy, that's a compliment to that guy. [33:12] So I just want to, you know, take stress off of him and be able to, you know, make them pay for doing that. [33:17] You feel like you're seeing Rudy playing like he's got something to prove? [33:21] Yes. [33:22] Yes. [33:23] Rudy has been playing great. [33:24] His attitude, his demeanor, you know, defensively, offensively. [33:29] You know, he made some free throws tonight. [33:31] So, like I said, that's contagious also. [33:35] You know, when you have confidence and you're big that, you know, when Jay is picking up full, when I'm picking up full, [33:40] when Dante is picking up full, Ant's picking up full. [33:42] You know if you get beat, you got Rudy back there. [33:44] Having that confidence, that's very important. [33:46] And I'm so proud of him because, you know, each and every day he works on his game. [33:50] You know, he works on his touch. [33:51] He made one of his little floaters today. [33:53] That's something that he's working on every day after practice. [33:57] He made his free throws. [33:59] I threw him a pass. [34:00] He said I should have threw him a lob. [34:02] But he caught it. [34:03] He made both free throws. [34:04] So that's just a credit to the work that he has been putting in. [34:07] And I love seeing any time a player, you know, puts in work continues and I'm able to see it pay off. [34:14] What have you learned about him like as a person since you've been here? [34:17] I learned that he's very outgoing. [34:22] I learned that he is one of the players where he wants to learn. [34:27] You know, each and every day, you know, we're talking, we're texting. [34:31] He's, you know, sending me ideas of how we can run the pick and roll together. [34:35] He's sending me ideas of what ways I can get easy shots. [34:39] And, you know, having that relationship with the big, that's very important because he's been in the league for a long time. [34:45] And, you know, he's seen a lot of things. [34:47] So anytime you have, you know, someone at that caliber level of a player who's, you know, wants to invest in you to get better, [34:54] I think that that just shows his character. [34:57] Ayo, when you're up like 15, 20 points for the majority of the game like you were, do you guys play defense differently when you're up 15, 20? [35:04] How does that change things defensively for you? [35:06] Do you get more aggressive? [35:07] How does that look when you're up 15, 20 instead of like four or five? [35:10] You know, honestly, being honest, I think being up 15, 20 is a little bit more scary than being up four or five. [35:15] Just the simple fact that any time, you know, you're going against, you know, I think that the Nuggets were the number one offense team in the league, right? [35:24] So when you're up 15, 20, you always have in the back of your mind that, you know, they can make two shots and, you know, it could turn into an eight-point game. [35:31] And I believe we went up 27 points and then Jones hit a three, turned into 24. [35:35] I think it went to seven a run. [35:36] It went from 27 to 20 fast. [35:38] So I want to say you play defense differently. [35:41] I would say actually gives you a bit of more sense of urgency because just the body naturally, you know, when you go up 20, you tend to, you know, [35:50] your body naturally tends to try to relax and you have to be able to be vital and, you know, tell yourself, like, well, let's go. [35:56] Let's turn it 20 points to 25 to 30. [35:59] And we did a pretty good job of that. [36:02] And, you know, you guys just keep your footing, guys. [36:04] That's very important because you know that with the way that guys can score nowadays at a high level, a 20-point lead before you know it, [36:12] like, that could turn to eight in a minute. [36:14] So I want to say we played differently. [36:17] I would say we did a good job today of staying on it and trying to push that lead up. [36:21] Io, this rivalry is obviously a very intense one. [36:26] And being new to the team, how did your teammates prepare you? [36:29] What did they tell you? [36:31] I mean, what did they get through to you to really turn it on like this, too? [36:35] Yeah, I'll just be riding, you know. [36:36] I'll just ride with my teammates, you know. [36:38] It's a rivalry. [36:39] They say what it is. [36:40] And I'm just riding with them. [36:41] Like, that's just how I am. [36:42] That's how I was raised. [36:44] So, I'm just, I'm with them. [36:47] Whatever they're with, I'm with. [36:48] That's just how it is. [36:49] Ride or die. [36:51] Yeah. [36:56] What happened there in the first quarter? [37:07] Your head coach just said he felt like it came down to shot making more than anything else. [37:10] How do you see it? [37:11] Yeah, I mean, we didn't, we kind of created open looks. [37:17] We didn't make it. [37:19] The physicality was there, I think, on both sides. [37:22] On both sides. [37:23] But I think, you know, they're making you, they're big, tall, long. [37:28] They're really good defensive players. [37:30] So, they're making you shoot over them or just make extra moves. [37:35] So, they're, especially in the fourth quarter, they're going to make shots. [37:38] So, and when you open the game like that, it's kind of hard to. [37:43] Then the easy ones are not going to go either. [37:45] So, just really good defensive quarter by them and really bad defensive quarter by us. [37:53] You were five for 16 from two-point range tonight. [37:57] There have been just some hook shots, floaters. [38:00] I know you're accustomed to making in this series. [38:02] It feels like you've been a little short on. [38:04] Do you feel like there's anything that they're doing that's affected your touch at all? [38:07] Or is it just kind of one of those things right now? [38:09] I mean, they're definitely, they're definitely. [38:13] Like I said, they're big, tall, long. [38:16] You know, they're making you think about it. [38:18] Like with stands, with contest, you know, give them credit. [38:24] They're really good. [38:26] I think that's that's fair. [38:29] You guys struggle with some transition defense in the second quarter. [38:33] It's not really something that normally happens for you. [38:36] Just what do you feel like? [38:37] I mean, I think that they emphasize that. [38:39] I think especially after first game, you can see that even the second game, [38:42] they're kind of pushing the pace, playing faster. [38:45] Don't let us set our defense and, you know, they're just driving the ball [38:50] and trying to be aggressive. [38:52] Nikola, here's the first game. [38:55] Here you are, perhaps, I think that's a tough game. [38:57] But I can imagine that, how do you feel like. [38:58] I think it's a tough game. [38:59] I don't think it's a tough game, [39:00] or are you feeling like that you're going to be worried about the game? [39:02] What? [39:03] I think it's an interest in the new season. [39:04] I think that's a tough game. [39:06] The game is a tough game because you're waiting for it, [39:07] and you really don't understand that. [39:08] And then, to the game, you're looking for it, [39:09] because this game is a tough game because you do not want to do it all and how do it the game. [39:13] The first one was very bad. They were very good defensive teams, so we will see how the next one will be. [39:31] Moving forward in the series, how important do you think it is just for you to hit more of your threes? [39:37] I mean definitely it's going to help us and definitely it's going to help me and the whole team. [39:43] Yes, it's important. [39:45] How are you feeling physically right now? [39:48] Feeling good, feeling good. [39:49] Nicole, you guys have been in this position before. Does this one feel different? [39:56] And also, how did you guys get out of this and win the series before when you're in this position? [40:05] I mean to be honest, I don't remember. I remember that we came back multiple times. [40:11] But in playoffs, the most important is the next one. So you've got to win the next one and then we're going to think about the future. [40:21] But the next one is a really important game for us, so we need to get out there with urgency and play much better. [40:30] I mean, I don't think so. [40:37] In what ways would you like to see you guys generate offense outside of the high ball screen right now? [40:43] Can you say again? [40:44] In what other ways can you guys generate looks right now outside of the high ball screen? [40:50] I think it's not just high ball screen. I think it's a split. It's a catch and shoot couple of times. So, you know, post-ups. So, I think it's not just high pick and rolls. [41:08] Nicole, you said you were getting good looks in that first quarter. The shots just weren't falling. How frustrating is it when they're not going in? And how much did that frustration compound throughout the game? [41:19] Like I just said, I think you're going to start missing the easy ones. Let's say the open ones. So, you know, it's frustrating. [41:32] At what point today did you guys know that Aaron wasn't going to be able to go? And was it a surprise or two days ago we knew it? I knew it. Me personally, I think. [41:45] Nikolo, when it comes to your playmaking and you've mentioned their, is it just their size and length and activity or are there other things going on there that have kind of prevented you from being as efficient as you are as a playmaker? [42:05] So, I mean, it's defense. They're a really good defense team, you know, and we couldn't make shots. And then I think to be a distributor to whatever, I need to be a little bit, not to be, but if I make a little bit shots, then the defense is going to react. [42:25] So, I think that's why I couldn't get anybody involved because they didn't help them, you know, it was just a more and more coverage. So, I think I needed to do a little bit better job scoring and then I think it's going to open up for everybody else. [42:43] Nikola, something negative, maybe a question, but what would you say about this series until now? Do you have optimism? And what the most important thing is to do is do you think that this is just the beginning and that you have a lot of games? [42:55] Well, I'm sure that the next one is very important for the whole series. So, we'll see our focus on the next one and try to return the break that we took. [43:10] And then it's 2-2. It's very nice, guys. [43:23] Rudy, all season, you guys have wondered if you could kind of tap into the ceiling of this team defensively. [43:29] Do you feel like, now that the playoffs are here and night like tonight, that you're finally tapping into that potential that you guys have on that end of the floor? [43:37] For sure. I think for us, we've shown this year that we could do it. We just couldn't do it consistently. And tonight, I thought, was the best defensive effort. [43:50] There was still room to improve. I felt like we can do a better job not falling. I think it's a physical game, right? And you never know if they're going to call it or not. [44:01] But I think just being mindful of that, you know, being a little more aware, I think we can, that's a lot of room for improvement for us on that end. [44:12] Rudy, you have turned one of the most efficient players of all time into a very inefficient player so far. [44:19] What has been your approach and why do you think it's working so well so far? [44:23] Just trying to compete, you know, just try to, like I said, you know, it's the greatest offensive player I've guarded in my whole career. [44:36] So just try to enjoy the challenge and make him work as much as I can. And, you know, and it's also a team effort. [44:45] You know, we, my teammates, I feel like tonight, I mean, did a great job, Jaden, Dante, Io, and everyone that came from Julius, you know, everyone that came in the game just gave us something defensively. [45:01] And then I just have to, yeah, just keep working, you know, keep competing, keep trying to make him earn everything he gets. [45:09] You know, that's the biggest thing. [45:11] Rudy, oh, sorry about that. You mentioned the Joker being one of the greatest offensive players you've ever played. [45:17] To have so much confidence from your team and them reminding us that you have four Defensive Player of the Year awards. [45:23] I mean, how does it feel knowing that they will go to war for you and back you up any time because of what you're showing on the court? [45:29] Obviously, and it's one of the greatest players we've ever seen. [45:31] It feels great. You know, I mean, I love these guys. [45:35] You know, we've been through a lot together and, you know, it's great to know that we can. [45:44] I'm not going to say what Io said, but to know that we can rely on each other, you know, and have each other's back. [45:50] And that shows in a tough moment, you know, being able to trust who we are no matter what and trust each other is, I think, what we're going to need to achieve our goal. [46:04] Rudy, obviously, your defense is getting a lot of shine in these playoffs, but offensively, you look really comfortable out there too. [46:11] What's that side of the floor been like in this series? [46:15] On the offensive side of the floor, you're having an impact as well. [46:18] Like, what do you think has been working for you and why do you feel so comfortable? [46:24] I think offensively, throughout my career, I try to impact the game, not just by scoring, you know, by the gravity when I roll to the basket, by getting my teammates open, getting offensive rebounds, [46:37] creating offense in a kind of unusual way for my teammates, also without the ball too. [46:44] But, yeah, just try to do that, just try to impact the game in any way I can. [46:49] And when I have to finish plays, I finish plays. [46:52] I try to be aggressive, you know, with my screens, with my running, crashing the glass, you know, and just try to be aggressive that way and, you know, being consistent with it, [47:05] creating offense for my teammates, I think that's the main thing. [47:08] You haven't really looked tired out there on the floor. [47:11] I mean, I know the preparation you put into your body, but, like, you just feel like you've got a lot of gas in the tank here? [47:18] Yeah, for sure, for sure. [47:21] I mean, I put a lot of work, you know, behind closed doors to be in the greatest shape that I can be in and taking care of myself physically, mentally. [47:33] And so I worked my whole life for these moments. [47:36] So, you know, we've got 14 more games to win. [47:40] So, you know, I can't get tired now, for sure. [47:43] Rudy, what did you appreciate the most about Jaden's performance tonight? [47:49] I thought he was locked in, you know, on both ends. [47:55] I mean, guarding Jamal Murray, full court, you know, competing, offensively just being aggressive, you know, making the right play. [48:06] I felt like he was very efficient tonight. [48:10] Didn't get frustrated when he missed some shots. [48:14] Just, I thought it was a very emotionally sound game for him, and that's huge, you know, for him to just stay locked in, stay present, not getting frustrated. [48:26] That was the best part. [48:28] That's what I loved about his game tonight. [48:29] You'll catch your Murray are obviously two of the better players in the league. [48:33] How important has it been for you guys, you and Jaden especially, to be able to guard them in one-on-one situations as well as their two-man game? [48:41] I mean, their two-man game is probably top in the league, one of the best two-man game in the league. [48:47] So it's been a great challenge for us to guard these guys and try to make them work as hard as we can, you know. [48:55] And when they're in one-on-one situations, same thing, you know, just try to make them work, try to compete, try to be physical. [49:05] And sometimes they're still going to score, but we try to make sure that we, yeah, we're consistent with our effort defensively. [49:14] Rudy, obviously. [49:15] Sorry. [49:16] What are you looking forward to most in game four? [49:18] Game four? [49:21] I mean, we know those guys, they have championship DNA, so we know they're going to come out ready, so just come out ready. [49:28] Come out ready to guard and offensively just keep sharing the ball, keep doing what we've been doing. [49:36] Rudy, when Julius and Ant aren't having their best shooting nights, but you guys still managed to win by 17, [49:41] what does that say about this team when you guys are able to still perform at a high level when two of your main scorers aren't at where they normally are? [49:50] I mean, it says that, yeah, we have a lot of guys that can play basketball, you know. [49:59] And what I loved about Ant and Julius' game tonight is that they move the ball, you know. [50:05] And then if they're going to guard them with multiple people or if they're going to draw a lot of crowd, that's the highest form of respect you can get. [50:12] So, you know, they made the right play and then everybody else was just about to be aggressive. [50:18] And then that's thanks to them. [50:20] You know, so I think that's, I mean, that's winning basketball, you know. [50:23] And then some games they're going to stop doing that and then they're going to score because they're great at scoring. [50:31] Rudy, you and Joe have been through quite a few battles this year. [50:37] He's the scout team, Jokic. [50:38] I mean, how has that kind of helped you guys prepare for dealing with actual Jokic? [50:45] A lot. [50:47] I mean, Joe did a great job even though he's shooting with his left. [50:53] You know, he did a great job just, you know, watch a lot of clips of Jokic, try to just, yeah, just try to run the similar actions and being able to do that in practice. [51:05] You know, it just helps you mentally prepare to then do it in a game and, you know, that's some of the things you don't see. [51:15] Like, you know, some of those, I mean, the bench guys have been amazing, you know, just in practice being, you know, playing like mimicking the Denver players. [51:27] Like they've been putting a lot of work doing that, you know, came in early in the mornings, watched a lot of clips. [51:32] And that's part of the preparation. [51:36] I think that helps us when we get back, when we get on the court to be mentally prepared. [51:40] Thank you. [51:43] How much did you feel like this game was kind of a matter of shots not falling for you guys versus was there anything just kind of process-wise offensively that you could have done differently? [52:02] Yeah, it's tough. [52:03] You know, nobody on the team is making shots, including myself. [52:05] So I just think, you know, the first quarter we got to have a better start to the game and, you know, set ourselves down on the road, [52:15] not get, you know, because they played with a lot of adrenaline and the crowd was into in the first quarter. [52:19] And I felt like we were just playing a little too fast. [52:22] And, you know, after that quarter, the score was pretty even, maybe quarter to quarter. [52:27] But, you know, that first really hurt us. [52:30] Couldn't recover from that. [52:31] So it's got to be better to start the game and with a more calmer mindset, especially on the road. [52:38] Did you feel like you guys were kind of prepared for their pace when they, especially when they were getting out and running in the second quarter? [52:43] I mean, we're already down 15 at that point. [52:47] Like, I mean, you know, we got to start better. [52:52] We got to start better so we have a chance to set our defense. [52:55] Jamal, David was talking about injecting physicality on the offensive side of the ball. [53:00] What does that look like for you guys moving forward? [53:02] Screen setting, catching the ball low on the floor, offensive rebounding, you know, getting to our sets maybe a little quicker. [53:12] Stuff like that. [53:16] I feel like if we kind of own our spots a little better and, you know, they're playing physical. [53:23] So they'll call the foul on those. [53:25] We just kind of let them move the way they wanted to and stuff like that. [53:29] And, again, the first quarter wasn't great. [53:31] So. [53:34] Jamal, what were the emotions with the team when you found out that Aaron wasn't going to be able to go tonight? [53:38] Next man up. [53:40] You know, we've been dealing with it all year. [53:42] So, you know, we just had to rally the guys and put the game plan in. [53:49] But, you know, it's something we've been dealing with all year. [53:51] So it's not great, but it is what it is. [53:54] Jamal, it's a pretty proud group who's been in this position before. [53:59] What in the prior times has enabled you guys to kind of rebound from this and get out of ruts and losing? [54:07] Just belief. [54:08] I think that's the main one. [54:09] You know, when we come together and really take it possession by possession or game by game, [54:15] whatever the situation is, you know, we normally get the job done. [54:19] And that's what we've got to do again. [54:21] We've got to bounce back mentally, come up with a better mindset to start the game, [54:26] because I feel like that's the key. [54:28] And then just trust each other throughout the game, you know. [54:32] So, I mean, we're not new to it. [54:46] We've just got to believe in each other. [54:48] Like I said, you know, calm down on offense. [54:53] Bring a stronger mentality of the first quarter. [54:57] I understand their tendencies and know them. [54:59] Talk more in coverages. [55:00] No, everything. [55:02] Everything, really. [55:03] So that will be our focus for the next game. [55:06] Jamal, you're partially answered, but I was going to say, what was the atmosphere in the locker room after? [55:11] Was that the atmosphere of defeat or was it the atmosphere, we lost one game, [55:15] we're going to the next one, and we're going to be better? [55:18] We lost the game. [55:19] I mean, I'm not thrilled, obviously, but, you know, we have to bounce back. [55:23] We have another chance to regain home court. [55:25] We've got to come back out with a better mentality in the first quarter. [55:29] And, yeah, with more fight, we've got to fight more. [55:34] We've got to bring the challenge to them. [55:36] You know, we didn't make shots, which is really frustrating. [55:40] I mean, nobody put the ball in the hoop for us. [55:42] So that's tough. [55:48] So we've just got to be better. [55:50] Jamal, David mentioned that the start of this series has reminded him of the start of the Clippers series last year [55:56] and how things kind of played out. [55:58] What can you guys pull from the way you responded after three games last year [56:02] and maybe use that to springboard into game four here? [56:06] My answer is going to be the same, guys. [56:09] It doesn't matter how you ask this question. [56:10] First quarter, we've got to come up better. [56:12] We've got to play with more physicality. [56:13] We've got to shoot better. [56:14] We've got to bring the fight to them. [56:16] I don't know. [56:17] Let's ask a different question. [56:19] That offensive physicality you're talking about and just doing everything, [56:22] getting into your spots, owning your spots, [56:24] does it remind you of the adjustments you guys made in 2024 when you came from Denver to Minnesota [56:28] and won two here, like the things you're able to do offensively to kind of turn the tide in that series? [56:32] Yeah, but we play with a lot more togetherness. [56:35] You know, we have to bring that back. [56:37] We have to, like I said, trust each other more within our offense, take our time a little bit. [56:41] Like we were getting sped up in that first quarter, allowed them to have confidence, [56:44] get on a run, get points to the board, get fans into it. [56:47] So I just think if we just come together and understand what the tempo and what the feeling is like on the road, [56:54] if we can just control that, our emotions a little better, control our pace a little better, our tempo, [56:59] and get the shots that we create all the time, you know, I think that's key. [57:05] I think there's a lot of we got to play with better emotion, you know, and not be as rushed, you know, [57:13] with their pressing and holding and grabbing. [57:16] Like we got to do it back and also calm down at the same time, [57:20] not let it fuel us into taking bad drops or bad shots or whatever. [57:23] And when we settle down, believe in what we do, believe in each other. [57:27] When we pass, trust the pass, trust each other's shot, you know, [57:32] trust each other's spacing, stuff like that. [57:34] So, yeah, we'll come back with a better flow for next game. [57:39] Jamal, for you personally and the shots you're trying to get, [57:41] why was it harder tonight to spring free from that pressure? [57:44] And for you, is it just shot making or do things need to change? Screening or? [57:48] Yeah, screening. I think screening is a big one, you know. [57:52] Like if you watch Gobert's that screen, he's going to hit you. [57:58] Like he's holding and he's going to hit you. [58:00] So I think we just got to do a little more of the same, [58:01] even if it results on foul calls. [58:03] Like I said, just controlling that tempo a little more within ourselves. [58:06] And I got to do better of just making some shots. [58:08] I missed some easy shots today. [58:09] I took some tough ones, but, you know, a lot of them I'm not overthinking. [58:14] I just got to make them. [58:15] And I struggled to make them today for my team. [58:17] So it's frustrating when you don't make it [58:19] and you got to think of something of why you didn't make it. [58:21] So, you know, it just is what it is. [58:25] It's a rough game for us, everybody. [58:26] And we just have, like I said, have a better tempo for next.