Game 2 Momentum: Nuggets Notebook Highlights Rudy Gobert’s Absence and its Impact

Mother Nature helped the Denver Nuggets out by causing high winds on the Front Range, which complicated Rudy Gobert’s travel plans as he tried to make it to Denver in time for Game 2 after his child was born earlier on Monday. Minnesota coach Chris Finch mentioned pregame that the weather made it challenging. The Timberwolves added Gobert to the injury report just hours before Game 2, with Finch stating that Gobert wouldn’t play 90 minutes before tipoff. Gobert, who recently became a father for the first time, was absent from the team’s morning shootaround, listed as questionable for personal reasons. Despite serving as the primary defender on Nikola Jokic in Game 1, Gobert’s absence didn’t alter the Nuggets’ preparation, according to coach Michael Malone, who congratulated Gobert and his partner. Malone emphasized that their approach wasn’t contingent on Gobert’s presence but rather on the team needing to secure a win after being down 1-0 in the series.

Game 2 is crucial for the Nuggets’ chances in the series, as statistics show that teams losing Game 1 at home have an equal chance of winning or losing the series. Falling behind 2-0 after losing both home games spells trouble for a team’s chances, while splitting the first two games at home significantly improves the odds. A win in Game 2 would mean Nikola Jokic could celebrate his anticipated third MVP award with the home crowd before Game 5. The NBA is set to announce the MVP winner on Wednesday, with Jokic expected to clinch the title.

The star-studded atmosphere at Game 2 included local band Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats performing the national anthem, greeted by Denver coach Michael Malone. Rateliff even took the ceremonial first free throw. Among the crowd were notable figures like Dutch DJ Tiesto, producer Pharrell Williams, former MLB All-Star Alex Rodriguez, and Glen Taylor, whom Rodriguez and his group are attempting to purchase the team from.