The Denver Nuggets managed to turn the tide in their Western Conference semifinals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a dominant 117-90 victory in Game 3. After falling behind 2-0 in the series, many had written off the Nuggets’ chances of repeating as NBA champions. However, the Game 3 win brought the series to 2-1 and gave Denver a chance to shift momentum further in their favor with a win in Game 4. While Game 3 was not a must-win in the traditional sense, no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in NBA history, making it a critical game for the Nuggets.
Denver’s strong performance in Game 3 was led by guard Jamal Murray and center Nikola Jokic, who both had impressive stat lines. Murray bounced back from a tough Game 2 with 24 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Jokic, the reigning MVP, put up 24 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks, and three steals. The Nuggets had all five starters scoring in double figures, showcasing the offensive firepower that has been a trademark of the team.
Even with the Game 3 victory, the Nuggets still have concerns heading into Game 4. Murray was playing through a strained left calf, and it’s clear that he is not at full health. Both Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson were also dealing with injuries leading up to the game. The Nuggets will need their key players to be as close to 100% as possible as they continue through the series against a tough Timberwolves team.
As the series progresses, both teams will need to make adjustments to exploit weaknesses and capitalize on strengths. The playoffs are a time for strategic changes and smart play, and both the Nuggets and Timberwolves will need to adapt to stay ahead. While Game 4 is not a “must-win” for Minnesota, they will be looking to close out the series and advance to the conference finals for the first time in nearly two decades. Conversely, the Nuggets are now in a position to level the series and put pressure on the Timberwolves.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone emphasized that the Game 3 win was just one game and that his team still has a long way to go in the series. However, the victory brought the Nuggets closer to where they want to be in their quest to defend their title. With the series now at 2-1 in favor of Minnesota, Game 4 presents another opportunity for Denver to even the odds and continue their pursuit of a championship. The Nuggets showed in Game 3 that they have the talent and resilience to compete at the highest level, and they will look to carry that momentum into the next game.
