Minnesota took a 2-1 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series with a convincing 113-96 victory over Denver in a game dominated by defense and energy. Atlanta and Toronto also celebrated.
Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Ayo Dosunmu added 25 points and nine assists off the bench.
Donte DiVincenzo scored 15 points with four steals.
Minnesota is a game broke already in the first quarter in which Denver was held to just 11 points, a franchise record in the playoffs. Defensive specialist Rudy Gobert again played a key role in the shutdown Nikola Jokićwho shot a modest 7/26 from the field.
He is the best attacking player I have guarded in my career. I try to enjoy the challengesaid Gobert, who finished the game with 10 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.
In the end, Jokić scored 27 points and 15 rebounds, but without much effect at key moments. Jamal Murray added 16 points with poor shooting (5/17), while Denver once again had problems with the three-pointer – they shoot only 30 percent (33/109) in the series.
Minnesota, on the other hand, dominated offensively, especially through McDaniels, DiVincenzo and Dosunmu who constantly broke through the Nuggets defense. The hosts had a big 61-39 at halftime.
We play with determination, that’s the keysaid Dosunmu.
Atlanta won in a dramatic ending New York 109-108 and a 2-1 lead in the series.
The Hawks controlled most of the match and had i +18but the Knicks came back and even took the lead in the end. However, CJ McCollum scored a basket 13 seconds before the end, while Jalen Brunson lost control of the ball in the last attack.
The most deserving of Atlanta’s celebration were Jalen Johnson with 24 baskets, 10 rebounds and eight assists and McCollum with 23 points. With the Knicks, they stood out OG Anunoby with 29 points and nine rebounds and Brunson with 26.
The fourth game is played in two days, again in Atlanta.
Toronto won on his floor Cleveland 126-104 and cut the deficit in the series to 1-2.
The Raptors achieved the turnaround with a great last quarter in which they won 43-23. Although they entered the final period with a minus, two minutes before the end they had even +25.
Scottie Barnes excelled with 33 points and 11 assists, while RJ Barrett also scored 33. The best player for Cleveland was James Harden with 18 points.
The next game will be played in two days in Toronto.
(Hina | Photo: Minnesota Timberwolves)
