Nuggets Defeat Timberwolves To Revive Hopes For Championship
Denver wins 117-90, cutting the series deficit to 2-1 behind the impressive play of Jokic and Murray.
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-90 on Friday night in a decisive Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, demonstrating why they are the current champs. With this vital win, the series score was now 2-1, providing the Nuggets with a much-needed lifeline following their two-game deficit.
The Timberwolves were unable to compete with the explosive combination of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray of the Nuggets. The dynamic center Jokic nearly achieved a triple-double with 24 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks, proving why he is a consistent contender for MVP. Murray kept the Timberwolves‘ defense off balance the whole game by matching Jokic’s 24 points, adding 5 assists, and 3 steals.
A noteworthy contribution was also made by Michael Porter Jr., who scored 21 points while shooting an amazing 80% from beyond the arc. Jokic, Murray, and Porter Jr. scored 69 points between them, almost matching the total of the Timberwolves.
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Timberwolves face difficulties at home.
This was a surprising game for the Timberwolves, who came into it as the only unbeaten team in the tournament. Though likened to basketball luminaries, Anthony Edwards was only able to score 19 points. In contrast to their prior performances, the team as a whole shot a pitiful 43.7% from the field.
After missing Game 2 due to personal matters, Rudy Gobert returned, although his effect on the game was less than anticipated. Just four rebounds were possible for the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and the Nuggets’ dominance at the boards made his presence in the paint greatly missed.
The Timberwolves still lead the series, but they will now have to play a resurgent Nuggets club that is keen to tie the score in Game 4 on Sunday at 8 PM ET. The Nuggets want to show that their championship heritage can bring them through tough times as they attempt to build on their decisive victory in Game 3. Whether they can sustain this momentum or if the Timberwolves can return to their early series form and force Denver to the verge of elimination is the question at hand.
