Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, faces high expectations. The two-time NBA MVP is no stranger to the spotlight, and when he is in it, he usually shines. However, tonight, that was not the case, as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated Denver 106-99 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals. The Minnesota Timberwolves secured their first second-round win in 20 years, while the Denver Nuggets suffered their first home loss since March 29. Who will face off on March 29? The Timberwolves.

What about Minnesota tends to hamper the Nuggets at home, especially Jokić? The Timberwolves have a unique combination of two 7-foot-tall players and many active defenders who can guard Jokić across the court. Here’s how they shut him down in Game One.

What Minnesota Did to Attack Jokić.

They had many players switching on him during the game.

Nikola Jokić scored 32 points in Game 1 to lead the Denver Nuggets. However, he shot 11 for 25 from the field and 2 for 9 from three points. He also only grabbed eight rebounds, which was far lower than his regular-season average of 12.4. The Nuggets’ offense relied heavily on Jokić, which is not uncommon. What distinguishes him is his ability to shoot from all over the court, as well as his impressive vision and passing talents for a big man.

However, in Game 1, he never had open looks or a clear view of the floor. Minnesota used Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Naz Reid to guard Jokić during the game. Towns can protect Jokić from the perimeter, while Reid and Gobert can defend him down low. Reid is the current NBA Sixth Man of the Year, while Gobert has won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award three times. It provides Minnesota’s coaching staff plenty of options on how to defend the offense.

Assistant coach Micah Nori, who was the main point man on the bench for the Timberwolves while head coach Chris Finch was recovering from knee surgery, stated that the Timberwolves have alternatives on how to play Jokić.

“Whether it’s Rudy guarding him at times, Naz, Kyle, KAT, and all that…that takes a toll on them.” -Micah Nori.

Jokić recorded a game-high seven turnovers and a -12 plus/minus.

What Can Denver Do Moving Forward?Find additional space for MVPs Jaden McDaniels and Jamal Murray.Minnesota’s strategy was to prioritize Jokić and force Denver to look for alternative scoring opportunities. Kenny Smith of Inside the NBA reported that Jokić was more uncomfortable than he had ever seen him before.

“Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid, those three guys sped The Joker up for the first time that I’ve ever seen in basketball.” -Kenny Smith

Denver needs to get Jamal Murray going. He is the team’s second-best player and the finest creator off the dribble. Murray must find ways to make plays, whether it’s screening to get him open for perimeter jumpers or clearing out some space and allowing him to attack his opponent. He only had 17 points in Game 1.

Denver coach Michael Malone can use backdoor cuts to draw defenders away from Jokić, allowing him to find open men for assists and keep Minnesota honest throughout the game. This might lead to more one-on-one confrontations.

If Jokić can find open men, his teammates need to make shots. Murray missed eight shots. Michael Porter Jr. missed seven. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope only scored six points. The Nuggets simply need to be more consistent on the offensive end.

Porter Jr. didn’t sound concerned after the game.

“They’re an excellent defensive team. They will put us under strain and make things difficult. We simply need to execute and be physically powerful in our respective positions. I think we’ll be fine.” – Michael Porter, Jr.

Of course, the Nuggets will not be happy if Anthony Edwards continues to dominate the Timberwolves’ offense. But that’s a different situation, and another headache for Malone to solve in Game 2.