Timberwolves' Nickeil Alexander-Walker was smiling in the middle of shutting down Jamal Murray
The Timberwolves absolutely dominated the Nuggets in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals.
It was a particularly difficult game for Jamal Murray, who did not play well and was visibly frustrated while on the court. He seemed noticeably impacted by Minnesota’s incredible defense, finishing the game shooting just 3-of-18 from the field.
Murray was defended by Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (acquired as a throw-in at the trade deadline last season) during the contest and it didn’t go well. During the series, the Minnesota guard has defended Murray very well thus far. He had three blocks in Game 2 against Denver.
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Nickeil Alexander-Walker literally smiling at Jamal Murray while playing defense
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) May 7, 2024
In fact, while defending Alexander-Walker, the 25-year-old looked thrilled.
He seemingly couldn’t stop smiling guarding Murray, which is a special kind of sinister reserved only for the biggest matchups.
Alexander-Walker, a cousin of Oklahoma City’s Shai Gildeous-Alexander, represented Canada in the 2023 FIFA World Cup. He and Murray, both from Ontario, will soon be teammates on the Canadian national team in the Paris Olympics this summer.