"They don't believe they can win anymore" - Draymond Green drops bold prediction after Nuggets take 3-2 lead against Timberwolves

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After securing wins in the first two games of their second-round series, the Minnesota Timberwolves appeared to have exploited the weaknesses of the Denver Nuggets to a remarkable degree. However, coach Michael Malone made prompt adjustments from Game 3 that led to the defending champions registering three consecutive wins with a points differential of 18, outplaying the Wolves on every front.

In the wake of their most recent defeat, which left the Timberwolves players disheartened, Draymond Green boldly expressed this certainty that their demeanor could signal the end of this series.

Green says the series is over

Dray underscored the chaotic state of the Timberwolves by pointing out reigning DPOY Rudy Gobert’s struggle against Nikola Jokic in the ongoing series. The Dubs forward, who has a wealth of playoff experience, sounded certain that Chris Finch’s players have lost all belief in outperforming the defending champions.

"Karl Anthony Towns is actually doing a pretty good job when he's on the Joker, it’s you my man (Gobert) who is getting cooked," Green said. "When you're in these playoff series, for me, I'm always looking for the smallest ounce of weakness, and the way Karl Anthony Towns walked off that floor with a limp… they don't believe anymore. When you lose the belief… it's over. They don't believe they can win anymore, which means this series is over."

While the Timberwolves and their star player appeared to be soaring in the first two games, shooting 40% from beyond the arc and 51.2% from the field, they have since struggled to find their groove in the last three games. Their shooting percentages plummeted to a mere 33.4% from downtown and 46.6% from the field over the course of those three games.

Timberwolves Big 3 needs to be at their best in Game 6

Despite dropping 44 points in Game 4, Anthony Edwards averaged only 18.5 points in the other two losses of the series. Similarly, KAT has averaged just 16.6 points over the last three games. As the Timberwolves aim to bounce back in Game 6 at home, it’s imperative for not just these two stars to bring their ‘A-Game,’ but even ‘The Stifle Tower’ to showcase why he is a four-time DPOY.

With Minnesota on the edge of elimination and losing the luxury of making mistakes, Green’s advice should be taken seriously. In order to beat the defending champions, the Timberwolves need to lift their chins and play with the hearts of the champions themselves.