Jokic's Near Triple-Double, Dosunmu Scores 43 Points, Timberwolves Take 3-1 Series Lead Despite Injuries

On April 26, in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs first round, the Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-96, taking a 3-1 series lead. In this game, DiVincenzo suffered a torn Achilles tendon after just 79 seconds, ending his season, while Edwards left the game due to a left knee injury. Dosunmu scored a career-high 43 points. Nuggets star Jokic recorded a near triple-double, but a physical altercation with McDaniels near the end of the game sparked a large-scale confrontation between both teams.

Statistical Breakdown

Timberwolves: Dosunmu 43 points, 4 rebounds; Randle 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists; McDaniels 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists; Reid 17 points, 9 rebounds

Nuggets: Jokic 24 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals; Murray 30 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists; Hardaway 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists; Gordon 9 points

Game Recap

The Timberwolves started strong with a 5-0 run, but DiVincenzo, who started the game, suffered a torn Achilles tendon after only 79 seconds, ending his season. Jokic stepped up to lead the Nuggets' offense, scoring inside and outside. When Jokic scored on a post-up against Gobert, the Nuggets led 17-15. The Nuggets then tried to extend their lead, but Dosunmu, continuing his hot form from Game 3, helped stabilize the Timberwolves with outside shooting. At the end of the first quarter, the Nuggets held a 1-point lead. In the second quarter, Reid and Murray exchanged scoring blows. Dosunmu then scored repeatedly, but the Nuggets responded with a scoring burst to stop the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves fought back with contributions from multiple players; when Hyland scored on a layup, the Timberwolves trailed 50-51. At the end of the quarter, Johnson hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer. At halftime, the Nuggets led 54-50. Jokic had 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists; Murray had 13 points; Dosunmu had 16 points; Edwards, who shot 1-for-8, had 5 points and left the game due to a left knee injury.

After halftime, the Nuggets scored consecutively to try to widen the gap, but the Timberwolves quickly countered. Dosunmu and Randle combined to score via free throws, drives, and jump shots, leading a 9-0 run that reversed the momentum and gave the Timberwolves the lead. The Nuggets then responded with a 10-3 run led by Murray and Hardaway. Following that, both teams traded scores with mid-range and long-range jumpers, free throws, and fast-break layups, keeping the game tightly contested. At the end of the third quarter, the Timberwolves led 82-78. In the final quarter, the Timberwolves found their rhythm earlier and launched a 13-4 run to extend their lead to 13 points. The Nuggets mounted a comeback and narrowed the gap, but Dosunmu's consecutive scoring helped the Timberwolves secure the win. Near the end of the game, a physical altercation between McDaniels and Jokic sparked a large-scale confrontation between both teams, resulting in ejections.

Starting Lineups

Timberwolves: Edwards, Randle, Gobert, DiVincenzo, McDaniels

Nuggets: Jokic, Murray, Braun, Gordon, Johnson