In Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals, the Denver Nuggets showcased a commanding performance, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves with a resounding 117-90 victory. Jamal Murray spearheaded the Nuggets’ resurgence, tallying 24 points after a challenging start to 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 scoreboard. The Nuggets’ proficiency from beyond the arc, shooting 14-of-29, played a pivotal role in their triumph.
Despite a solid effort from Anthony Edwards, who led the Timberwolves with 19 points, Minnesota struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 10-of-32 from the three-point range. Karl-Anthony Towns managed 14 points but faced difficulty in getting enough shot opportunities.
The victory marked a crucial turnaround for the Nuggets, who became the 30th team in NBA playoff history to lose the first two games at home in a best-of-seven series. Head Coach Mike Malone emphasized the resilience of his team, citing their competitive spirit in the face of adversity.
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’ offensive cohesion and defensive intensity enabled them to surpass the 100-point mark for the first time in the series against the Timberwolves’ formidable defense.
The game held significant importance for both teams, with the Timberwolves aiming to maintain their series lead and the Nuggets seeking to narrow the gap. Despite the return of Rudy Gobert for the Timberwolves, the Nuggets’ efficient ball movement minimized his defensive impact.
With a convincing lead established by the third quarter, the Nuggets maintained their momentum, thwarting any attempts at a Timberwolves comeback. Frustration among the Timberwolves’ ranks was evident, with technical fouls issued to reserves Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kyle Anderson during the latter stages of the game.
As the series progresses, both teams are set to face off again in Game 4 at Minneapolis.
