Timberwolves Take 2-1 Series Lead Over Nuggets in Game 3 Domination

Minnesota Timberwolves secured a commanding 113-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on April 24, 2026, taking a 2-1 series lead. The win came despite Denver missing forward Aaron Gordon due to a calf injury, as Minnesota’s defense suffocated the Nuggets’ offense from the opening tip.

The Timberwolves jumped out to a 25-11 first-quarter lead and never looked back, holding the Nuggets to just 3-for-21 shooting in the opening period. Denver managed only one made three-pointer in the quarter as Minnesota’s defensive pressure disrupted their offensive rhythm throughout the game.

Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets’ two-time MVP, was held to 27 points on 7-for-26 shooting, a significant drop from his regular-season averages. Jamal Murray struggled alongside him, as the duo combined for just 12 made shots on 43 attempts. Denver’s offensive output plummeted from their league-leading season averages of 122.1 points per game and 121.2 offensive rating to just 96 points in Game 3.

Minnesota’s defensive effort was a team effort, with Rudy Gobert anchoring the paint and contesting shots against Jokić. Jaden McDaniels and Donte DiVincenzo hounded Jamal Murray throughout the game, disrupting the Nuggets’ backcourt. The Timberwolves forced Denver into just 12 assists as a team, well below Jokić’s regular-season average of 10.7 assists per game.

Ayo Dosunmu, acquired at the trade deadline, played a key role in Minnesota’s second-quarter surge. His ability to defend and attack in transition provided a spark, with consistent drives to the paint and timely scoring that helped the Timberwolves establish their rhythm after a strong start.

The victory gave Minnesota a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4, with the Timberwolves looking to close out the series on their home floor. Denver will need to adjust offensively and hope for the return of Aaron Gordon to have any chance of extending the series beyond Minnesota’s home court.

As the series shifts back to Denver for Game 4, the Timberwolves will glance to capitalize on their defensive momentum while the Nuggets seek to solve Minnesota’s defensive schemes and get their star players back on track. The winner of Game 4 will take a 3-1 series lead, putting them within one win of advancing to the second round.