Jokic's 24+15+8 effort falls short as Edwards scores 30+10; Timberwolves rally from 19-point deficit to beat Nuggets, tying series at 1-1.

On April 21, during the NBA playoffs first round, the Timberwolves engineered a dramatic turnaround from being down by as many as 19 points to win 119-114 over the Nuggets, leveling the series at 1-1. Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds, Jokic finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Murray added 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Statistical Breakdown

Timberwolves: Edwards 30 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal; Randle 24 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists; DiVincenzo 16 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists; McDaniels 14 points.

Nuggets: Jokic 24 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists; Murray 30 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists; Braun 16 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists; Hardaway 16 points.

Game Progression

Both teams engaged in intense perimeter shooting early on. When Randle hit another three-pointer, the Timberwolves led 11-7. Shortly after, the Timberwolves cooled off and missed several attempts, allowing the Nuggets to seize the opportunity. Murray, Braun, and Johnson scored consecutively, fueling a 17-0 run for the Nuggets. The Timberwolves gradually regained form and fought to close the gap, but the Nuggets maintained their touch, scoring via jump shots, free throws, and fast-break layups. The first quarter ended with the Nuggets holding a 14-point advantage. Entering the second quarter, the Nuggets scored 5 quick points, but the Timberwolves, led by Edwards, responded with an 11-0 burst combining drives and outside shots to narrow the deficit. Murray's jumper stabilized the Nuggets, but the Timberwolves then unleashed a 13-2 run to flip the game and take a 1-point lead. Toward the end of the quarter, both sides traded points through mid-range and long-range jumpers, free throws, and interior plays. The half concluded with a 64-64 tie; Murray had 23 points at halftime, Edwards 20.

After the break, the contest remained evenly matched. When Jokic isolated Reid and scored with a turnaround floater, the Nuggets trailed 75-76 by one point. Edwards then hit another three-pointer, but Jokic took charge of the Nuggets' offense, first sinking a three-pointer and then completing a and-one, leading an 8-0 surge. Late in the quarter, the Timberwolves attempted to counter, but the Nuggets held their ground. The third quarter ended with the Nuggets ahead by 3 points. In the fourth, Brown connected on multiple threes, and the Timberwolves, spurred by McDaniels, kept pace. Subsequently, the Timberwolves used drives and outside shooting to produce a 6-0 run, taking a 3-point lead. Braun scored via free throws, Gobert added a put-back dunk, and Gordon hit a three-pointer, bringing the Nuggets within 1 point. In the closing moments, DiVincenzo nailed a three-pointer, Jokic dunked and Braun scored from free throws, leaving the Timberwolves ahead by 1 point with 19.1 seconds remaining. In the final seconds, Randle made both free throws, and DiVincenzo sealed the victory with a fast-break dunk.

Starting Lineups

Nuggets: Jokic, Murray, Johnson, Braun, Gordon.

Timberwolves: Edwards, Gobert, Randle, McDaniels, DiVincenzo.