In Minneapolis, Nikola Jokic showcased his clutch prowess, notching 35 points with 16 coming in a decisive fourth quarter surge, while Aaron Gordon's remarkable 27-point performance on an impressive 11-for-12 shooting propelled the Denver Nuggets to a crucial 115-107 triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals on Sunday night.
Jamal Murray ignited the Nuggets with 19 points, including a pivotal 12-point burst in the third quarter, building on the momentum sparked by his buzzer-beating shot from beyond the half-court line in the second quarter. Despite occasional attempts by the Timberwolves to trim the deficit to single digits in the latter half, Denver maintained control.
Anthony Edwards dazzled with a remarkable 44-point display for Minnesota, shooting a solid 16-for-25 from the field. However, despite the Wolves' commanding 42-31 rebounding advantage, they found themselves outplayed once again on their home turf by the defending NBA champions. Denver, fueled by the disappointment of dropping the first two games at home, showcased their resilience and determination for a crucial series-tying victory.
"Game 2 definitely woke us up," Murray acknowledged. "We realized we can't hold ourselves back."
As the series heads back to Denver for Game 5 on Tuesday night, Mike Conley contributed 15 points for the Timberwolves, while Karl-Anthony Towns struggled with a 5-for-18 shooting performance, managing 13 points and 12 rebounds. Rudy Gobert rallied late, tallying 11 points and 14 rebounds, but the Wolves found themselves on the defensive once again on their home court.
Aaron Gordon remained flawless until 3:39 left in the game, showcasing Denver's dominance. The Nuggets orchestrated an eight-point burst in just 20 seconds, punctuated by Murray's improbable shot.
Coach Mike Malone commended Gordon's versatility, emphasizing his commitment to the team's success. "The shot-making, the play-making, the physicality, the defense on two All-Stars, so much is being asked of him right now," Malone stated. "What you love about Aaron Gordon since Day 1, when he put on that Nuggets uniform, It's always been about the Nuggets first. He is truly selfless."
Despite a three-day break between Games 2 and 3, the Wolves couldn't find their footing, suffering a 27-point defeat. Coach Chris Finch expressed frustration, noting the team felt "fat and lazy" amidst excessive praise following their performance in Denver. In Game 4, they aimed to regain their edge immediately to keep the home crowd engaged, with Anthony Edwards leading the charge.
In Sunday evening's matchup, the 2020 No. 1 draft pick wasted no time making an impact, scoring nine points within the first four-plus minutes, even before Jamal Murray had a chance to touch the ball. To alleviate the pressure on Murray and his strained left calf muscle, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic took on the playmaking responsibilities, showcasing their versatility.
Despite a subdued performance in Game 3, Anthony Edwards was determined to lead Minnesota to victory, a challenge the Nuggets anticipated. Denver's defensive strategy, focused on containing him in the paint, proved insufficient as Edwards demonstrated his scoring prowess from all areas of the court.
However, the Timberwolves struggled to capitalize on opportunities created by Denver's defensive attention on Edwards. They faltered with missed tip-ins near the rim, not limited to corner 3-point attempts. Karl-Anthony Towns encountered shooting woes, misfiring on his first seven attempts. While his defensive effort remained unwavering, his offensive execution faltered, resulting in minimal fouls drawn despite his persistent arguments.
Initially praised for their league-best defense and deep roster depth in the first two games, the Wolves found themselves mirrored by the Nuggets' execution on the road. Denver's supporting cast, including Aaron Gordon, Justin Holiday (10 points), Christian Braun (11 points), and Reggie Jackson (six points), excelled from beyond the arc, combining for an impressive 8-for-11 shooting performance. Their collective effort fueled a decisive 26-4 run spanning the first and second quarters, with the majority of points scored while Rudy Gobert, a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, rested on the bench.
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