The Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets achieved an important milestone on Friday night. They avoided falling into a 3-0 hole in the conference semifinals. Now, their task is to level the series.
After securing vital wins in contrasting ways, both teams are gearing up for critical Game 4 matchups against the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“We knew we had to give it everything tonight, especially playing at home,” remarked All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who scored a career-high 35 points in Friday’s 111-106 victory, narrowing Indiana’s series deficit to 2-1. “Going down 3-0 is a tough spot to be in, so we had to come out with urgency and determination.”
The defending champions, Denver, adopted a similar mindset along with a tweaked game strategy.
While the Pacers mounted a comeback from a nine-point deficit in the final minutes, clinching victory with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Andrew Nembhard and crucial defensive stops, the Nuggets dominated in Minnesota after suffering two losses at home.
Led by 24 points from Jamal Murray and a near triple-double performance from three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets built an early 20-point lead and maintained their momentum throughout, halting the Timberwolves’ six-game winning streak in the postseason. Now, they aim to replicate their success.
“Friday’s game demonstrated our potential and our ability to pose a threat,” remarked Denver coach Mike Malone following their 117-90 victory.
