The Denver Nuggets didn’t give up after losing the first two games of the Western Conference semifinals at home.
Nikola Jokic scored 16 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, and Aaron Gordon had 27 points on 11-for-12 shooting to help the Nuggets win 115-107 against the Timberwolves in Game 4, tying the series. Gordon described their approach as having a strong focus and executing their plays with precision.
Jamal Murray contributed 12 of his 19 points in the third quarter, carrying on the momentum from his buzzer-beating shot in the previous game. The Timberwolves struggled to reduce the deficit to single digits in the second half, managing only 3 minutes and 19 seconds below a ten-point difference.
Anthony Edwards had an outstanding performance for Minnesota, scoring 44 points and setting a franchise postseason record by shooting 16 for 25. Despite out rebounding the Nuggets 42-31, the Timberwolves couldn’t secure a win at home for the second consecutive game.
Murray acknowledged that the loss in Game 2 motivated them to step up their game. The series will return to Denver for Game 5 on Tuesday night.
“This is a series. We won two games, but we didn’t think it was going to be easy,” Edwards said.
Mike Conley scored 15 points, Karl-Anthony Towns had a tough shooting night with 13 points and 12 rebounds on 5-for-18 shooting, and Rudy Gobert stepped up late with 11 points and 14 rebounds. However, the Timberwolves found themselves struggling at home for the second game in a row.
The Nuggets scored eight consecutive points in just 20 seconds to end the first half, with Murray making an impressive shot. Gordon didn’t miss a shot until there was 3:39 left in the game. He played a crucial role in defending Towns and even took on the challenge of guarding Edwards at times.
Coach Mike Malone praised Gordon’s contributions, highlighting his shot-making, play-making, physicality, and defense on two All-Stars. He emphasized Gordon’s selflessness and dedication to the team since joining the Nuggets.
The Timberwolves couldn’t benefit from the three-day break between Games 2 and 3, suffering a 27-point loss. Coach Chris Finch criticized the team for feeling “fat and lazy” after receiving praise for their performance in Denver.
To regain their momentum and keep the crowd engaged, the Timberwolves needed to get back their competitive spirit immediately, and Edwards led the charge in responding to that challenge.
The first pick in the 2020 draft scored nine points in the first four-plus minutes, even before Murray got the ball. Gordon and Jokic helped out by taking turns handling the ball, lightening Murray’s load due to his strained calf muscle.
After a quiet Game 3, Edwards was determined to lead the Timberwolves to victory, which the Nuggets anticipated. Despite the Nuggets focusing on him in the lane, Edwards scored from all over the court. However, his teammates didn’t always capitalize on the opportunities when left open by the Nuggets.
The Timberwolves missed scoring opportunities close to the basket, not just three-point shots. Towns struggled with his shooting, missing his first seven attempts. While he maintained his effort and defense, he had trouble getting the ball into the basket and didn’t draw the fouls he hoped for.
Towns expressed disappointment in his performance on Mother’s Day, acknowledging that sometimes the game doesn’t go as planned.
In the first two games, the Timberwolves showcased their top-notch defense and deep bench, but the Nuggets replicated that strategy on the road. When their role players and bench players are hitting their shots, the Nuggets become a formidable opponent to beat.
Gordon, Justin Holiday (10 points), Christian Braun (11 points), and Reggie Jackson (six points) combined to make 8 out of 11 shots from 3-point range.
Their performance sparked a 26-4 run that stretched from the end of the first quarter to the beginning of the second, with almost all of those points scored while Gobert, a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, was not on the court. “They are doing all the dirty, small things that nobody notices,” Jokic said.
