Denver Nuggets forward Cam Johnson pointed directly to execution breakdowns and rebounding issues as the key factors behind the Game 2 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. His comments came during a practice session on Wednesday, April 22, ahead of Game 3 at Target Center.
“We had more second chance points than us, and a little bit of execution offensively,” Johnson said, identifying the areas the Nuggets must correct in the series.
Rebounding remained a central theme throughout his breakdown of the film. “Loose balls, offensive rebounds, getting them off the boards,” he said. “They had more second chance points than us.”
Minnesota’s physical edge on the glass has been a deciding factor through two games, with Denver looking to stabilize possessions before transitioning into offense.
Johnson also emphasized accountability after the Nuggets lost control of a late-game lead in Game 2. “We made too many mistakes in key moments, whether it was defensively or offensively,” he said.
The forward added that those mistakes were self-inflicted rather than dictated by Minnesota’s scheme. “We just made too many mistakes on our end, and we got to clean those mistakes up.”
Defensive rebounding has been a major point of emphasis in practice. “A lot. Get a body, play physical,” Johnson said when asked about adjustments.
Minnesota’s top-ten regular-season defense has also tested Denver’s shot creation. “They play physical. They try to get into the ball. They’re handsy,” Johnson said. “But I feel like we’ve gotten a lot of looks that we’ve liked.”
Despite the loss, Johnson maintained confidence in the Nuggets’ defensive structure. “We’ve been fine defensively,” he said. “Our scheme has fallen into place and a lot of times we’re doing what we want to do.”
He stressed that Game 2 came down to execution rather than strategy. “I think we put ourselves in a spot to win the game multiple times. I think we gave it up.”
Late-game execution, including free throws and missed opportunities, also remained in focus. “We made too many mistakes in key moments,” Johnson reiterated. “We know we can clean those up.”
Johnson addressed the physical nature of the matchup and the Timberwolves’ approach without overreacting to external commentary. “I’m not buying into those antics, period. Not entertaining it,” he said regarding pre-series remarks.
On Minnesota’s defensive pressure and matchup variety, Johnson noted the importance of adaptability. “They have Gobert at the rim. But I feel like we’ve gotten a lot of looks that we’ve liked,” he said, while emphasizing continued movement and spacing.
Denver’s approach against Rudy Gobert also remains tactical. “Creating space and moving him around… just make sure he’s always on the move,” Johnson said.
With the series tied 1-1, Johnson framed Game 3 as a correction game rather than a response to narrative pressure. “It’s about play,” he said. “We just got to turn the page, learn from our mistakes, and get ready.”
As the series shifts to Minneapolis, Denver’s focus is clear: clean possessions, secure rebounds, and reduce late-game errors that defined Game 2.
