DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic received the Michael Jordan Trophy from NBA commissioner Adam Silver before the game. Then he delivered a memorable playoff performance to celebrate his third MVP award.
The Serbian star scored 40 points for the Denver Nuggets, who beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-97 on Tuesday.
The defending NBA champions erased Anthony Edwards and moved within one victory of advancing to the Western Conference finals.
Jokic added 13 assists and seven rebounds, without turning any balls over. The home team took victory for the first time in this conference semifinal series.
“He did everything for us tonight,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone noted. “And it was fun to watch.”
Jokic’s dominant performance made even his rivals smile.
“I just laugh. That’s all I can do,” Edwards said after watching the performance of Jokic, who scored 19 points in the first half to lead Denver to a 50-44 halftime lead.
Jokic added 16 points in the third quarter, as the Nuggets stretched their lead to 14.
“I can’t be mad,” Edwards added. “He’s really good, man. I think I said it after the first game, when we won, and the second. He is the Most Valuable Player, he is the best in the NBA. He has shown it in the last three games, in three consecutive games. Tonight was special. I have to praise him, that’s how good he was tonight.”
Aaron Gordon added 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Jamal Murray scored 16 points.
Edwards was held to 18 points on 5-of-15 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Wolves with 23 points, while Rudy Gobert finished with 18.
With their first three-game losing streak of the season, the Wolves will play a do-or-die game on Thursday at their home in the Target Center.
They need to win to force a seventh duel.
2024-05-15 06:07:00
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