Timberwolves Build 18-Point Edge Late in Game 3 Against Nuggets
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MINNEAPOLIS — With 10:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Minnesota Timberwolves held an 88-70 lead over the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round matchup on Thursday night, April 23, 2026. The best-of-seven series was tied 1-1 entering the contest.
Minnesota’s balanced attack was led by guard Ayo Dosunmu, who had 21 points on 8-for-10 shooting and went 5-of-6 at the free-throw line. Anthony Edwards added 15 points, five rebounds and four assists, while forward Julius Randle contributed 10 points and five rebounds. Center Rudy Gobert anchored the glass with 10 boards.
Denver leaned on two-time MVP Nikola Jokić, who posted 21 points, 14 rebounds and three assists despite hitting just 6-of-23 from the field. Guard Jamal Murray chipped in 12 points for the Nuggets, who shot 31 percent overall and 22 percent from beyond the arc.
The Timberwolves shot 49 percent from the floor and 27 percent from three-point range, and they outrebounded Denver 43-34. Minnesota led for 96 percent of the night and built its largest advantage at 27 points.
Both teams entered the game with identical 26-15 records in road and home play, respectively, during the regular season. Denver was without forward Aaron Gordon (calf) and guard Peyton Watson (hamstring). Minnesota remained short-handed as guards Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark sat out because of illness. All four players are listed as potential returns for April 25.
Game 4 is scheduled for Minneapolis on Sunday, with broadcast coverage shifting to ABC.
Source: ESPN
