The Nuggets‘ Game 3 win came as a blow to the criticism they received questioning their status as defending champions. With three players scoring over 20, they blasted the aura of Anthony Edwards on the field and limited him to 19 points in just 15 shots. Even Stephen A. Smith, who slammed Jamal Murray after the Game 2 heat pack incident and predicted that the Twolves would sweep the Nuggets in the playoff semi-finals, had to change his tone.

During his appearance on the NBA Countdown show on ESPN, Smith apologized to the Denver Nuggets and coach Michael Malone for his remark. “I have to stand down and apologize to the Denver Nuggets, “ Smith apologized humbly after the blasting performance from the Nuggets’ offense. The NBA analyst could not believe what he saw in the previous game from Nikola Jokic and Co. against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was a performance from the highest order by the defending champions, as acknowledged by Stephen A. Smith.

Though Stephen was there only to apologize for his remarks, he pointed out the spectacular performance from the Nuggets that hit 56% from-the-field shots and 53% three-point-range shots. Denver’s coach, Michael Malone, who was questioned about his choices, also received words of praise from the NBA analyst. “The man[Malone] is a champion. He’s a great coach, ” Stephen A. Smith complimented the Nuggets guide while mentioning the team.

Pre-Game 3 prediction that made Stephen A. Smith sorry later

The reason why Stephen A. Smith was all nice to the Nuggets after their Game 3 victory was due to his prediction and bold claim before the match. He took reference from the 1996 match between Chicago Bulls Vs. Orlando Magic faceoff in the Eastern Conference, where the MJ squad annihilated the Magic’s offense with a scoreline of 121-83.

Drawing parallels between the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 and the Chicago Bulls of ’96, Stephen praised the Wolves’ defense. With such tight control of the game, the Nuggets “could do nothing”. That’s why the NBA analyst predicted a complete sweep from the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, the comeback from the Joker squad was much stronger than anything, and they even shut down the Wolves’ offense with their versatility on both ends.

Interestingly, the Nuggets’ wrath does not seem to be over yet. The form that they have acquired might also push them through Game 4. But the DOPY Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards are there to challenge the defending champions.

Who will acquire the crown of the playoff semifinals with such competitive challengers on both sides?