Nuggets Regain Momentum with Dominant 117-90 Victory Over Timberwolves
In a commanding display, the Denver Nuggets bounced back from their rocky start in the Western Conference semifinals, securing a resounding 117-90 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 on Friday night. Jamal Murray led the charge with 24 points, showcasing a revitalized performance after struggling in the initial games of the series.
Nikola Jokic, the reigning league MVP, contributed significantly with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists, while Michael Porter Jr. added 21 points to the Nuggets' offensive firepower. Denver's sharpshooting from beyond the arc, shooting 14-for-29, played a pivotal role in trimming the Timberwolves' series lead to 2-1.
Despite Anthony Edwards' modest 19-point effort leading the Wolves, their offensive rhythm faltered as they managed only 10 successful three-pointers out of 32 attempts, with Karl-Anthony Towns contributing 14 points. The Nuggets capitalized on Minnesota's defensive lapses, surging to a lead of as much as 34 points.
The Nuggets' victory marked a significant turnaround, as they became the 30th team in NBA playoff history to overcome losing the first two games of a best-of-seven series at home. Head Coach Mike Malone emphasized the test of character for his team, citing external skepticism as motivation.
Murray, who struggled with just 25 points on 9-for-32 shooting in the first two games and received a $100,000 fine from the NBA for discarding a heat pack onto the floor from the bench, faced a barrage of boos from the crowd every time he possessed the ball. The point guard excelled with spot-up jumpers and fadeaways, benefitting from a three-day rest period to nurse a strained left calf.
The Nuggets' collective effort on both ends of the floor stifled the Wolves' momentum, nullifying the impact of defensive stalwart Rudy Gobert's return.
Target Center witnessed a fervent atmosphere, reminiscent of past playoff moments for the Timberwolves, yet the Nuggets asserted control early on, building a substantial lead by halftime. Despite attempts at a comeback from the Wolves, Denver maintained composure, with key contributions from Aaron Gordon and Porter Jr.
As the game progressed, frustration grew among the Wolves, resulting in technical fouls for reserves Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kyle Anderson. The Nuggets' dominance was evident as fans began to exit the arena early in the fourth quarter, signaling a convincing victory.
With Game 4 set to take place in Minneapolis.
