The Nuggets rally with a commanding 117-90 victory over the Timberwolves, fueled by Murray's revitalized performance, contributing 24 points to the win.

    Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic (15) and Jamal Murray (27) on court in Game 3 of NBA playoffs            against Minnesota Timberwolves.

In Minneapolis, Jamal Murray's resurgence with 24 points propelled the Denver Nuggets to a convincing 117-90 victory in Game 3.

Nikola Jokic, a three-time league MVP, delivered 24 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed 21 points. The Nuggets narrowed the Timberwolves' series lead to 2-1, powered by their 14-for-29 shooting from beyond the arc.

Despite Anthony Edwards leading the Wolves with 19 points, they struggled from long range, shooting 10 for 32, despite Karl-Anthony Towns' 4-for-5 effort. Towns, with 14 points, didn't receive enough shots, and the team's desperate attempts to drive to the basket led to frequent turnovers. Their pace was slower compared to the first two games in Denver, resulting in a deficit of up to 34 points.

The fourth game will take place in Minneapolis on Sunday evening.

According to Sportradar research, the Nuggets joined a select group as the 30th team in NBA playoff history to lose the first two games of a best-of-seven series at home. However, history shows that five of those teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers in 2021, managed to bounce back and secure victory.

For Denver, this win marked a crucial step forward, finally breaking through the 100-point barrier against Minnesota's top-ranked defense after struggling in the previous two games.


Jamal Murray, who had a rough start to the series with just 25 points on 9-for-32 shooting and drew a $100,000 fine for tossing a heat pack onto the floor, faced constant booing from the crowd. Yet, the determined point guard remained focused, utilizing a mix of spot-up jumpers and fadeaways to lead the Nuggets' offense. His performance showed renewed vigor, benefitting from three days of rest to recover from a strained left calf muscle that had been bothering him.

Denver not only brought the promised energy but also found their shooting touch, putting pressure on the Wolves and disrupting their defensive rotations. As the game progressed, foul trouble hindered Wolves' defensive standout Jaden McDaniels, further tipping the scales in Denver's favor.

This marked a pivotal moment at Target Center, reminiscent of the thrilling Game 7 victory against Sacramento two decades ago. The electric atmosphere mirrored the significance for a fan base long starved for success. The confident "Wolves in four!" chants from visitors during Game 2 in Denver only added to the anticipation.

From the outset, the Nuggets seized control, establishing a 28-20 lead by the end of the first quarter, their largest advantage of the series thus far. Their dominance continued, extending the lead to 20 points late in the second quarter.


Despite the return of NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert for the Wolves after missing Game 2 for the birth of his son, the Nuggets' ball movement outside the paint rendered his defensive prowess largely ineffective.

Aaron Gordon's consecutive 3-pointers followed by another from Porter midway through the third quarter extended the lead to 72-50, stifling any attempts at a Wolves comeback.


As the game progressed, frustration mounted among Wolves fans and players alike. With early exits from the arena becoming noticeable, tensions boiled over. Reserves Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kyle Anderson each received technical fouls during a timeout with 5:54 remaining, protesting vehemently against the officials' calls.

The game not only represented a turning point in the series but also a symbolic moment for the Timberwolves faithful, who have endured years of disappointment. Despite the setback, the fervent support from the crowd highlighted the enduring spirit of the fan base, longing for a return to the glory days of Minnesota basketball.


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