Nickeil Alexander-Walker playing a huge role in the Denver Nuggets coming unraveled

Going into their second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Denver Nuggets, the defending NBA champions knew they were going to be in for a battle with the talented Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals. After two games, I’m not sure how many people had Minnesota heading home with a 2-0 series lead on their bingo card and the Nuggets unraveling before them.

After stealing Game 1 Saturday night, Minnesota took command of the series with a 106-80 victory in Game 2 in Denver. To say that the Timberwolves have frustrated the Nuggets would be an understatement. One of the players who is playing a big part in it is former Virginia Tech standout Nickeil Alexander-Walker. 

Nickeil Alexander-Walker keying Minnesota lead over Denver

To some, the Timberwolves taking a 2-0 series lead to the Twin Cities is a surprise, but if Game 2 is any indication, they are breaking the Nuggets who struggling mightly In Game 2 and showed signs of frustration. Murray threw a heat pack on the floor and head coach Michael Malone came off the bench and argued with official Marc Davis under the basket and had to be restrained. After that, Minnesota built a 30-plus point lead and coasted to the 26-point blowout victory.

Alexander-Walker had relentless ballpresser on Murray and Nuggets guards over the 30 minutes he played, scoring 14 points, including shooting 4-for-7 from behind the arc. He had six rebounds and three blocks and was a plus-11 when he was on the court.

Following the game, Malone and the Nuggets’ players mentioned how physical the Timberwolves have been and their defensive pressure, which Alexander-Walker has supplied through the first two games. Minnesota has the defending champions frustrated and looking for answers as they wait to play Game 3 Friday night and a former Hokie is near the front and center of Denver’s frustration.