Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets: Combined starting 5 featuring Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray

Phoenix Suns v Denver Nuggets.
Phoenix Suns v Denver Nuggets.

Small Forward - Malik Beasley (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Lakers.
Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Lakers.

Malik Beasley played the best basketball of his career in 14 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves last year. He averaged 20.7 points and five rebounds per game and made 47% of his field goals and 43% of his 3-pointers for Minnesota in 14 matches.

That performance earned him a four-year, $60 million deal from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he is backing it up with solid play in the 2020-21 NBA season.

Beasley is averaging 19 points and 4.8 rebounds in 30 minutes per game for Minnesota. Additionally, he has made 48% of his field goals, 34% of his 3-pointers, and 89% of his free throws.

In Minnesota's recent loss to Denver, Beasley scored 25 points and added seven rebounds and five assists to his stat sheet.


Power Forward - Paul Millsap (Denver Nuggets)

Sacramento Kings v Denver Nuggets.
Sacramento Kings v Denver Nuggets.

Paul Millsap's place in this combined starting five is a testament to the leader he is for the Denver Nuggets and his efficient play.

Even though he is playing behind Murray and Nikola Jokic, Millsap is taking advantage of his chances. The 35-year-old veteran is averaging 12.5 points and four rebounds per game and has made 59% of his field goals and 52% of his attempts from beyond the arc (3.5 attempts per game).

His Offensive Rating of 125 is third among the Denver Nuggets' starters.


Center - Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)

Denver Nuggets v Sacramento Kings.
Denver Nuggets v Sacramento Kings.

Arguably the best center in today's NBA, Nikola Jokic has certainly started the 2020-21 NBA season firing on all cylinders on offense.

While he has been scoring with efficiency, his passing has been a unique aspect of his game so far. Jokic is known for being one of the best passing big men in the NBA, but recording at least 10 assists in each of the six games he has played is an incredible feat.

Since he is also a solid rebounder, Jokic is averaging a Triple-Double. He is leading the league in Triple-Doubles with four, in assists per game with 12.8, and in total assists with 77.

Jokic is averaging 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists per game. Moreover, his shooting splits are 62/44/82. Quite simply, he has been unreal.

In his last game, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jokic had 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists in 31 minutes.

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Also read: 5 highest-scoring games in Stephen Curry's NBA career

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Edited by JEFF OLSEN