The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 112-96 on Saturday to take a commanding 3-1 lead, despite losing both Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to injuries.
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Through the first 12 minutes, both offenses struggled to get going. Very early in the game, DiVincenzo went down on a non-contact leg injury. After being checked out in the locker room, he was diagnosed with a torn right Achilles tendon. He will miss the remainder of the playoffs and at least most of next season.
After a low-scoring opening period, Denver led 23-22.
The Nuggets struggled from deep in the second quarter, but had no problems scoring in other ways. The Timberwolves also found more of a rhythm on offense.
Near the end of a competitive quarter, Edwards’ left knee hyperextended on a landing after jumping to contest a layup attempt. He left the game and did not return. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, he will have more testing done on the knee to determine the injury.
Despite losing the starting backcourt, Ayo Dosunmu erupted to help the Timberwolves regain control and outscore the Nuggets by eight in the third frame.
In the fourth quarter, Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets made several attempts to make it a one-possession game, but Dosunmu’s lethal shooting sealed the victory for Minnesota.
He finished the game with 43 points on 13-of-17 shooting from the floor and 5-of-5 shooting from deep.
For the Nuggets, Jamal Murray had 30 points five rebounds and five assists while Jokic finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists.
James Parker contributed to this story.
