Following a humiliating loss in Game 2, the Denver Nuggets faced a daunting 2-0 deficit and seemed destined for a surprising sweep by the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, their fortunes took a dramatic turn after a team dinner, with the exception of Aaron Gordon, leading to a complete reversal in their second-round series.

Gordon, whose career has experienced a resurgence since joining the Nuggets, was the only player who did not attend the team dinner in Minnesota the day before Game 3. While this might not typically be noteworthy, the Nuggets delivered a resounding victory in Game 3, securing their first win of the series with an impressive 27-point triumph on the road. The sudden and drastic turnaround continued with equally impressive wins in Games 4 and 5. As a result, Gordon has been indefinitely excluded from team dinners and will even be traveling alone to Minnesota for Game 6.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the dinner before Game 3 had a profound impact on the defending NBA champions. Reggie Jackson shared that the atmosphere during the dinner was relaxed, with the players engaging in lighthearted conversations and jokes while watching the Knicks-Indiana game. This gathering allowed them to alleviate the tension and pressure they had been feeling, enabling them to approach the game with a more relaxed mindset.

The camaraderie and bonding experienced during the dinner were crucial for the team. It provided an opportunity for them to take a step back, breathe, and discuss matters beyond basketball. The players realized they had been overthinking and striving for perfection in their strategies, leading to a more relaxed and confident approach.

Even DeAndre Jordan, known as one of the most well-liked teammates in the NBA, expressed his regret to Gordon in the locker room after Game 5, predicting the Nuggets’ advancement to the next round of the playoffs. He jokingly apologized to Gordon for the exclusion and promised to bring him some takeout as a consolation.

In summary, the Nuggets’ team dinner before Game 3 proved to be a pivotal moment for the team. It allowed them to unwind, build camaraderie, and shift their mindset, leading to an incredible turnaround in the series. The impact was so significant that Gordon has been excluded from subsequent team dinners and will travel alone to Minnesota for Game 6.

Last night, Nikola Jokic showcased why he has been named NBA MVP three times. The talented Serbian center led the Denver Nuggets to a dominant victory over Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves with a remarkable performance, scoring 40 points, dishing out 13 assists, and displaying his skills with a buzzer-beating three-pointer and a slam dunk.

As the Nuggets head into Game 6, they will rely on Jokic to deliver a similar level of excellence. They will also need continued contributions from Aaron Gordon, who had an impressive showing in Game 5 with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, as well as Christian Braun, who provided 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks. The offensive struggles of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. in Game 5 make the performances of Gordon and Braun even more crucial. Porter had a difficult game, shooting just 2-for-10 from the field, and watched from the bench as Braun helped secure the Nuggets’ 15-point victory.

Murray, who played a pivotal role in the Nuggets’ playoff success last year and in the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers, has not yet found his rhythm against Minnesota. In the current series, Murray is averaging 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. It is worth noting that he had a disappointing Game 2, during which he displayed frustration by throwing a heat pack and towel onto the floor and did not attempt a three-pointer.

However, if Jokic continues to dominate Gobert and the Timberwolves as he did in Game 5, Murray and Porter may not have to provide heroics this time. The Nuggets and Timberwolves will face off in Game 6 in Minneapolis tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. MT.