We need to do a better job of making them make tough shots – Nikola Jokic after Game 1 loss against Minnesota Timberwolves

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic admitted they need to come up with a better performance after their 106-99 loss against Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday.

Anthony Edwards mustered a playoff career-high — and franchise postseason-record — 43 points, whereas Naz Reid added 14 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic had 32 points, eight rebounds and nine assists for Denver whereas Jamal Murray scored 17 points but their efforts went in vain.

“We need to do a better job of making them make tough shots, maybe make the extra pass,” Jokic said.

Edwards was simply unstoppable in the first half, scoring 25 points whereas Reid got the job done in the final frame.

“The whole team, we trust each other,” said Edwards, who was 17 of 29 from the floor as he posted his third career playoff game with 40 or more points. “It doesn’t matter down the stretch who takes the shot.”

“I’m proud of the way he’s accepted the kind of growth he needed to have to be where he is,” said Conley, who finished with 14 points and 10 assists. “It’s not easy for a 22-, 23-year-old to make that adjustment so quickly.”

Naz Reid lauded Anthony Edwards for making the right plays and playing a key role in his team’s success.

“When (Edwards) draws three people, he makes the right play all the time,” Reid said. “I’ve seen him grow from Day 1 to where he is — a superstar in the making, if he’s not now.”

Edwards said it was a good challenge to take Nikola Jokic and Co.

“Going against the best player in the world is always fun,” Edwards said about facing Jokic. “Going against the best team in the world is always fun.”

“There’s no weaknesses in his game,” Denver’s coach Malone said of Edwards. “And it’s going to be a hell of a challenge trying to slow him down.”

The second game of the series will be played on Monday in Denver.