timezonenews.com
DENVER (AP) — Jokic Leads Nuggets to Victory, One Step Closer to Western Conference Finals
Nikola Jokic, celebrating his third NBA MVP award, dominated the court with a stellar performance, scoring 40 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a decisive 112-97 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. This crucial win puts the reigning NBA champions within striking distance of the Western Conference finals.
Jokic showcased his versatility by not only scoring but also contributing 13 assists and grabbing seven rebounds, all without committing a single turnover. The Nuggets, playing on their home turf, secured their first victory of the semifinal series.
Supporting Jokic’s outstanding performance, Aaron Gordon recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Jamal Murray chipped in with 16 points.
Despite the Timberwolves’ efforts, Anthony Edwards struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with 18 points on 5-of-15 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Wolves with 23 points, followed by Rudy Gobert with 18.
Having faced their first three-game losing streak of the season, the Wolves must rally and win Thursday night’s game at Target Center to extend the series to a Game 7 showdown in Denver.
Jokic’s Dominance Propels Nuggets Past Timberwolves, Inches Closer to Conference Finals
In a game marked by Nikola Jokic’s stellar performance, the Denver Nuggets secured a vital win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, bringing them one step closer to the Western Conference finals. Jokic, who received his third MVP trophy in a pregame ceremony from commissioner Adam Silver, showcased his brilliance on the court, leading the Nuggets to a 50-44 halftime lead with 19 first-half points.
The Nuggets continued to extend their lead in the third quarter, with Jokic contributing another 16 points, pushing the lead to 14. His impactful dunk with 7:12 remaining in the fourth quarter further solidified Denver’s advantage, putting them up 98-80. Despite a late surge from the Wolves, Jokic’s clutch plays, including a buzzer-beating 3-pointer over Rudy Gobert, secured the Nuggets’ victory with a 14-point lead with just over 3 minutes left on the clock.
While Anthony Edwards struggled to find his rhythm, scoring just five points in the first half and missing several shots, Karl-Anthony Towns stepped up for the Wolves. However, it was Jokic’s consistent performance and pivotal plays that ultimately sealed the win for the Nuggets.
With this crucial victory, the Nuggets are now on the brink of advancing to the Conference Finals, leaving the Timberwolves with the daunting task of rallying back in the next game to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Timberwolves Face Setback as Conley Sidelined, Alexander-Walker Steps Up
The Minnesota Timberwolves encountered a setback as veteran point guard Mike Conley was sidelined just before tipoff due to a sore right Achilles. Conley’s absence, stemming from an injury sustained in the previous game, led to Nickeil Alexander-Walker stepping into the starting lineup, where he showcased his skills with 14 points and five assists.
Coach Chris Finch had anticipated potential changes to the rotation, regardless of Conley’s availability, aiming to bolster the team’s performance after their reserves were outplayed in the previous matchup. As a result, Monte Morris seized the opportunity and contributed six points off the bench.
