Timberwolves Top Nuggets 113-96, Lead Series 2-1

The Minnesota Timberwolves grabbed a 2-1 lead over the Denver Nuggets in their first-round NBA playoff series with a commanding 113-96 victory in Game 3 on Thursday night at Ball Arena in Denver.

Jaden McDaniels scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while anchoring a stifling defense that limited the Nuggets to just 11 points in the first quarter, setting a franchise postseason record for Minnesota. Off the bench, Ayo Dosunmu contributed 25 points and nine assists, including a team record for most assists by a reserve in a playoff game. Donte DiVincenzo added 15 points and four steals, and Rudy Gobert continued to neutralize three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds but shot just 7-for-26 from the field.

The Timberwolves, who struggled with inconsistency during the regular season despite their talent, have now won two straight after dropping Game 1. Their defensive intensity has been key, holding Denver to 34 percent shooting overall in Game 3. Jamal Murray managed 16 points on 5-for-17 shooting for the Nuggets, who also missed starting forward Aaron Gordon due to left calf tightness. Gordon, a versatile 12th-year veteran, participated in light...