Down 0-2? No problem for the defending champions.
Despite losing the first two games at home, the Denver Nuggets managed to even the series at 2-2 and reclaim the home-court advantage after an impressive 115-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in their Western Conference semifinals series at the Target Center on Monday (PHL).
Their dominance began with a remarkable 12-0 run late in the first quarter, resulting in a 29-24 lead for Denver.
Joker beats the first-quarter buzzer! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/NXSiPpCPOM
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) May 13, 2024
This momentum carried into the second quarter, where they extended their lead to 41-26, only for Anthony Edwards to narrow the gap to 56-49 for the Timberwolves.
However, the Nuggets executed a series of stunning plays, which included Aaron Gordon stripping Edwards to set up a Michael Porter Jr. fast-break dunk just before halftime.
Denver then continued to pile on the pressure as Jamal Murray stole a pass and sunk a buzzer-beating shot from 55 feet, concluding an 8-0 run in a matter of seconds that extended their lead to 64-49.
HIMAL MURRAY pic.twitter.com/uYnB4Pbrnf
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) May 13, 2024
Despite Minnesota's efforts to claw back, the Nuggets maintained control, maintaining a double-digit lead for most of the second half.
The victory sends the series back to Denver for a critical Game 5, with the Nuggets having regained their confidence after initially struggling against the Timberwolves.
Much like their Game 3 win, the Nuggets relied on exceptional shooting, with Murray, Nikola Jokic, and Aaron Gordon leading the charge against Edwards' impressive 44-point performance.
However, no other Minnesota player aside from Edwards scored more than 15 points.
Jokic tallied 35 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and a block. His leadership and contributions were instrumental in guiding the Nuggets to victory, despite trailing 2-0 in the series just days after winning his third MVP award.
Gordon contributed 27 points on 11-of-12 shooting to go along with seven rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal, while Murray added 19 points, eight assists and five rebounds.
Game 5 will head back to Denver on Wednesday, May 15 at 10:30 a.m. (PHL time).
