Ahead of the Western Conference Semifinals matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves, sports analyst Shannon Sharpe predicts a fierce battle, with the defending champions holding the edge.
Sharpe foresees a grueling series, potentially stretching to six or seven games, but ultimately favors the Nuggets’ trio of stars over the Timberwolves’.
“I’mma take the Nuggets three best players over the Minnesota Timberwolves three best players,” Sharpe remarked on ESPN’s First Take.
In particular, Sharpe singles out Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, expressing confidence in his ability to dominate his matchup against Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert.
“I’m taking the Nuggets because I believe [Anthony Edwards] and Jamal Murray can play to a standstill. Karl-Anthony Towns is going to have to have the series of his life because Nikola Jokic is the real deal,” Sharpe continued.
“He’s going to make mincemeat of Rudy Gobert. You talking about Grey Poupon, dijon mustard all over the place. Bring in napkins because he’s going to make a mess of it.”
Sharpe’s bold prediction includes the possibility of Jokic delivering an unprecedented performance in NBA playoff history.
“I would not be surprised if you have the first NBA playoff 30/30/10. A triple-double with 30/30. You heard it here first,” he added.
