Nuggets vs Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS — Nikola Jokic displayed his prowess by scoring 16 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, while Aaron Gordon contributed 27 points on an impressive 11-for-12 shooting to lead the Denver Nuggets to a game-tying 115-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Jamal Murray showcased his scoring prowess by delivering 12 of his 19 points in the third quarter, building on the momentum generated by his buzzer-beating swish from behind the half-court line in the second quarter. The Minnesota Timberwolves struggled to narrow the deficit to single digits in the second half, managing only brief stretches of success in doing so.

 

Anthony Edwards delivered another remarkable performance for Minnesota, tallying 44 points while shooting an impressive 16-for-25 from the floor. Despite holding a 42-31 rebounding advantage, the Timberwolves were outplayed in their own arena for the second consecutive time by the defending NBA champions. The Denver Nuggets, fueled by their determination to bounce back after losing the first two games of the series at home, demonstrated their resilience and secured the victory.

“Game 2 definitely woke us up,” remarked Murray. “We realized we can’t hold ourselves back.”

The series now returns to Denver for Game 5 on Tuesday night.

Mike Conley contributed 15 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns struggled, shooting just 5-for-18 from the field to finish with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Rudy Gobert found his rhythm late in the game, scoring 11 points and securing 14 rebounds. However, despite their efforts, the Timberwolves found themselves on their heels at home for the second consecutive outing.

 

Gordon remained flawless until there were just 3:39 remaining in the game. The Nuggets orchestrated a remarkable sequence in the closing moments of the first half, scoring eight points in just 20 seconds, with Murray’s improbable heave serving as the highlight. Nuggets vs Timberwolves

 

Coach Mike Malone commended Gordon’s performance, emphasizing his exceptional shot-making, play-making, physicality, and defensive efforts against two All-Stars. Malone praised Gordon’s selflessness, highlighting his unwavering commitment to the team since joining the Nuggets.

The three off days between Games 2 and 3 did not benefit the Wolves, resulting in a disappointing 27-point defeat. Coach Chris Finch expressed his frustration, describing the team as “fat and lazy” following the excessive praise they received for their performance in Denver. Recognizing the need to regain their edge immediately in Game 4, the Wolves aimed to keep the crowd engaged throughout the game. Edwards stepped up to lead the response, ensuring the team remained focused and determined on the court. Nuggets vs Timberwolves

 

The 2020 No. 1 draft pick wasted no time making an impact, scoring nine points in the opening four-plus minutes of Sunday evening’s game before Murray even had a chance to touch the ball. With Gordon and Jokic taking on point guard duties to alleviate the pressure on Murray and his strained left calf muscle, Edwards led Minnesota’s offensive charge.  Nuggets vs Timberwolves

 

Following a subdued performance in Game 3, Edwards was determined to propel Minnesota to victory, a task the Nuggets anticipated. Despite Denver’s defensive focus on him in the lane, Edwards showcased his scoring prowess from all areas of the court, proving to be a formidable force to contend with. Nuggets vs Timberwolves

However, the rest of the Wolves struggled to capitalize on Denver’s defensive lapses. They missed opportunities for easy baskets, including tip-ins at the rim, not just corner 3-pointers. Towns, in particular, endured a challenging start, missing his first seven shots. Despite maintaining his effort and defensive intensity, Towns encountered difficulties finishing around the basket and struggled to draw fouls.

 

While the Wolves showcased their formidable defense and depth in the first two games, the Nuggets successfully replicated that formula on the road. Denver’s secondary scorers and bench players stepped up, hitting their jumpers effectively and making them a formidable opponent. Nuggets vs Timberwolves

 

Gordon, Justin Holiday (10 points), Christian Braun (11 points), and Reggie Jackson (six points) combined to shoot 8-for-11 from beyond the arc. Their sharpshooting fueled a decisive 26-4 run spanning the first and second quarters. Notably, Gobert, the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, was on the bench for most of this surge, highlighting Denver’s depth and versatility. Nuggets vs Timberwolves