What happened in Game 3
Led by Nikola Jokic's seventh career triple-double in the playoffs, the Denver Nuggets took Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 120-111 and securing a 3-0 lead in the first-round series. The Wolves' Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert combined for 45 points, but it was not enough to overcome Denver's dominant offense. Michael Porter Jr. contributed 25 points, and Jamal Murray added 18 points, helping the Nuggets withstand an impressive 36-point performance by Minnesota's Anthony Edwards.
Denver's disciplined performance and 57% field goal percentage showcased why they're a top team in the Western Conference. With their first 2-0 lead in with coach Mike Malone, the team remained focused on not giving the underdog T-Wolves extra confidence. Despite Edwards' efforts to bring his team back, the Nuggets maintained their lead throughout the game with the help of their bench, which outscored Minnesota 29-10.
With Game 4 approaching, the Nuggets are determined to continue their winning streak and avoid returning to Denver. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are searching for a way to turn their fortunes around and prevent the Nuggets from completing a series sweep.
Key Stats from Game 3
The Denver Nuggets offense was excellent in Game 3, posting their most efficient scoring night of the series. The Timberwolves shot 57.1% from the field while hitting 13 threes with 40.6% efficiency.
The Minnesota Timberwolves once again failed the rebounding battle in Game 3. They collected just 32 rebounds to Denver's 40 on the evening. For all of their size and athleticism, the Nuggets' defense is helping them control the glass.
Paint scoring continues to be the difference maker in this matchup. The Nuggets won the battle at the rim again, outscoring the Timberwolves from 60 to 52 inside.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves Game Preview
The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves will play for it all in Game 4 of the Western Conference first round. With the Nuggets leading the series 3-0, they'll be looking to clinch the series against the Timberwolves. In their last meeting, the Nuggets won 120-111, led by Michael Porter Jr.'s 25 points, while Anthony Edwards had 36 points for the Timberwolves.
The Minnesota Timberwolves don't want to end their season on their home court, as they trail the series 0-3. They own an ATS Record as the home team of 20-23-0, covering the spread just 46.5% of the time. On the season, they've gone 22-19 at Target Center.
The Denver Nuggets can close out the series and be the first Western Conference team to sweep their opponents this year. With an ATS Record of 20-22-0 on the road, the Nuggets cover the spread just 47.6% of the time. Contrary to their excellent home advantage, the Nuggets were just 19-22 on the road this season.
Denver Nuggets Team Preview
Denver Nuggets ATS Record: 47-37-1
Expect the Denver Nuggets to come out of the gate strong when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4. Their offense only continues to improve, and their three-point shooting form may be the difference maker. After another solid performance, Denver's sweep is on the table when they face Minnesota.
Denver's offensive quality in Game 3 came from their ball security. With Murray and Jokic committing 7 of their 14 turnovers on the night, Denver's role players helped maintain their efficiency by hitting shots and caring for the ball. While they posted 32 assists on 48 field goals, the Nuggets committed just 14 turnovers.
The Nuggets' offense looks too much to handle for Minnesota, so if they can maintain their efficiency, Denver can send their opponents packing. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray led the way for Denver, combining for 38 points, 21 assists, and 17 rebounds on 16 of 29 shooting from the field. However, young star Michael Porter Jr. stepped up as he posted 25 points and 9 rebounds while hitting 4 of his 8 three-point shooting attempts.
Minnesota Timberwolves Team Preview
Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Record: 42-45-0
It's the time to win or go home for the Minnesota Timberwolves when they play in Game 4. Down 0-3 on the series, the Timberwolves have one more chance at home to extend the series. Anthony Edwards has led them, but veterans Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert must maintain their improved play.
Despite losing the paint-scoring battle, the Minnesota Timberwolves stayed competitive by getting to the free-throw line. The T-Wolves converted on 29 of their 35 free throw attempts while drawing 26 fouls from Denver on the night.
If Minnesota can keep up their offense while doing something to limit the Nuggets inside, they can extend this series. Anthony Edwards was again excellent, posting 36 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals on 10-22 shooting from the field and 13 of 15 from the free-throw line. Karl-Anthony Towns put on his best performance of the series by posting 27 points and 7 rebounds in their Game 3 loss.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves Game Pick
Spread: Denver Nuggets -3.0 (-110)
Total: Over 224.5 (-110)
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