Over the last week, conventional wisdom in the NBA about the future of the postseason has shifted a lot.
There was a time when it seemed that the Minnesota Timberwolves were set to beat the Denver Nuggets and earn entry to the Western Conference Finals.
Now things have changed and the Nuggets have momentum.
Many analysts think they will overcome the Timberwolves and storm through the rest of the West to the Finals.
But sitting in on “First Take,” Timothy Legler said he can see see the Dallas Mavericks beating the Nuggets.
“I wouldn’t discount a team with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving like they wouldn’t have a shot against the Denver Nuggets,” Legler said.
.@LegsESPN isn't discounting the Mavs to make a run for a title ?
"We expect Denver to win it. … [But] I wouldn't discount a team with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving like they wouldn't have a shot against the Denver Nuggets." pic.twitter.com/X61igF27zy
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 14, 2024
That would be quite an accomplishment for the Mavericks, especially after Monday night’s game, which saw them give up a comfortable lead to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Before they can challenge the Nuggets or Timberwolves, they have to correct their trajectory and win two more games against the Thunder.
That is no small feat, particularly because Luka Doncic hasn’t been playing his best basketball during the last few games.
Doncic will need to shake off whatever is holding him back and perform like an MVP candidate again if he hopes to challenge the Nuggets.
Despite their recent problems, the Mavericks have been one of the most exciting teams in their conference over the last several months.
Before they hit these recent speedbumps, a lot of fans envisioned them going far into the postseason.
The Nuggets are a very tough opponent but their back-to-back losses to the Timberwolves prove they aren’t invincible.
If the Mavericks are able to face them and play like the team they were a few weeks ago, they might have a chance.
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