Mike Conley is relying on his veteran leadership to help Minnesota bounce back.
The Minnesota Timberwolves came into Game 5 smelling blood in the water and looking to finish the series against the Denver Nuggets, but Denver was in survival mode and it was that clash between resilience from the Nuggets and an overabundance of energy from the Timberwolves that let Denver stay alive.
Overall, the Timberwolves are a young team with a lot of energy. Throughout the season and into the playoffs, that energy has let them often be the faster, more physical team and overwhelm their opponents.
But the playoffs are a test of composure just as much as they are a test of talent and sometimes in those moments, excitability can lead to mistakes that can keep a team away from it's goals.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) looks on in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesEasy Mistakes
The biggest mistake for the Timberwolves was their 25 turnovers, giving the Nuggets plenty of opportunities to get back into the game and establish a lead that survived a fourth quarter comeback attempt from Minnesota.
Now, as the Timberwolves look to regroup ahead of Game 6, relying on the veteran presences on the team to regain that composure can be the path to success and a series victory.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) celebrates with fans as he makes a three-point shot against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Matt Blewett-Imagn ImagesMike Conley is one of those veteran presences. Conley is a 19-year veteran of the NBA and has started in over 100 playoff games in his career. He knows what it takes to perform under the spotlight and now he's trying to help his team get back on track.
Conley Takes the Lead
"Trying to calm them down. You've got to come into the game more prepared. Where are you going to get coverages as far as who's going to be doubled, who's going to be open, what opportunities can we get a swing-swing to the corner? Where can we be effective and not force it?" Conley said (via Timberwolves).
The Timberwolves have all the tools to be successful in this series, as they've shown in three dominant victories so far. What's needed now is sticking with the principles that have taken them this far, avoiding the mistakes that sunk them in Game 5 and executing at the highest level.
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) dribbles the ball while defended by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesIt shouldn't take many adjustments to get them back in rhythm and with the steady hands of veterans like Conley and Julius Randle guiding the team through the storm, their success is still well in hand.
Minnesota is on the doorstep of victory and now they just need to step through. Conley is intent on making sure they make that step.