Frederick: How can Nuggets-Wolves become an all-time rivalry? Just keep ’em coming

Such repetition creates familiarity and, likely, animosity.

Hard fouls, trash talk and verbal jabs on the floor, and in the media, set a slight tone of hatred that fuels competitiveness and creates lasting memories. This is where the Wolves and Nuggets are lacking. There seems to be a mutual respect between the two sides, who are often complimentary of one another during and after their duels.

That could be because there are too many friendly bonds. Yes, Tim Connelly was Denver’s basketball boss and left the Nuggets in favor of Minnesota’s more financially lucrative offer. But he maintains strong bonds with Murray and Jokic.

Micah Nori, Minnesota’s lead assistant coach, previously coached Jokic in Denver, and those two are also in constant communication. Players on both sides are constantly praising one another.

Perhaps more high-intensity meetings will lead to folks starting to rub each other the wrong way, but hatred isn’t a word used to describe the current relationship between the two organizations.

Still, Chris Finch said Nuggets-Wolves has “all the makings of what a rivalry should be.” The two teams frequently stand in the way of one another’s ultimate goals as they both target Western Conference supremacy.

Denver had to go through Minnesota en route to its 2023 title. The Wolves short-circuited the Nuggets’ repeat attempt. Now, Denver appears primed to make another run at a title but will have to get through a familiar foe in Round 1 just to kick off its postseason party.

Jokic stated two years ago Minnesota was “built” to beat Denver. It’s hard to ignore the size Connelly collected that, whether intentional or not, sure proved beneficial when combatting the Serbian superstar.

Watching the two teams toggle schematic approaches mid-series and adjust rosters in the offseasons to better matchup with one another has produced an enthralling chess match. It’s created many memorable moments — which, at their core, is what rivalries are about.

Just as much as Pacers-Knicks was defined by Miller pouring in eight points in nine seconds and flashing a “choke” sign at Spike Lee at Madison Square Garden, Nuggets-Wolves is currently remembered for the Timberwolves’ 20-point second half comeback in Game 7, for Jaden McDaniels attempting a self alley-oop as the waning seconds ticked off the clock, for Edwards getting ejected on Christmas night after Jokic and Co. denied him victory despite his late-game heroics.

Those are what create narratives, memories and, yes, all-time rivalries.

And a few more will surely be added to the list over the next two weeks.

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