Nuggets take 3-0 lead in first-round series against Timberwolves.
1. Introduction
The Denver Nuggets secured a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a disciplined performance that showcased the team's potential for a deep playoff run. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets NBA achieved his seventh career triple-double in the playoffs, scoring 20 points, securing 11 rebounds, and providing 12 assists. Joining him in the scoring column, Michael Porter Jr. contributed 25 points and nine rebounds, while Jamal Murray added 18 points and nine assists. Despite a strong performance from Anthony Edwards, who scored 36 points and raised his series total to 95, the Timberwolves could not match the Nuggets' offense, with a final score of 120-111 in favor of Denver.
Jokic Continues to Impress in Playoffs with Triple-Double Against Timberwolves
2. Jokic leads the way with triple-double
Nikola Jokic, the two-time reigning NBA MVP who led the league with 29 triple-doubles this season, had another impressive playoff performance with his seventh career triple-double. His 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists helped lead the Nuggets to victory over the Timberwolves.
"We didn’t want to give them life," Jokic said of the Timberwolves. "We wanted to be the aggressor. We wanted to punch them first."
3. Porter and Murray Contribute to the Win
In addition to Jokic Nikola's performance, Michael Porter Jr. scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Jamal Murray chipped in with 18 points and nine assists. Bruce Brown also contributed 12 points off the bench, leading Denver's 29-10 edge in bench points.
4. Timberwolves Struggle Despite Edwards' Performance
Anthony Edwards had another impressive game for the Timberwolves, scoring 36 points and raising his series total to 95. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 27 points, while Rudy Gobert had 18 points and 10 rebounds. However, a lack of discipline on defense and poor decision-making on offense led to another frustrating postseason loss for the Timberwolves.
5. Bench Points and Shooting Accuracy Give Nuggets the Edge
The Nuggets' bench provided a significant advantage, outscoring the Timberwolves' bench 29-10. Denver's shooting accuracy was also a factor, with the team shooting a hard-to-beat 57% from the field.
6. Game 4 Set for Sunday
The Nuggets will look to close out the series and advance to the second round of the playoffs with a win on Sunday. Despite their commanding 3-0 lead, the team remains focused on their goal of a deep NBA playoff's run. Although showing respect to their opponents, Nuggets coach Mike Malone emphasized that their focus was on their own performance and not allowing the Timberwolves to force a return to Denver. Malone stated, "While we respect the Timberwolves, our focus is on ourselves, and we don't want to return to Denver."
