MINNEAPOLIS – After a disheartening start to the Western Conference semifinals, the Denver Nuggets have staged a remarkable turnaround. Losing the first two games at home might have spelled doom for many, but not for the defending champions. Led by a powerhouse performance from Nikola Jokic and an impressively efficient night from Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets tied the series with a decisive 115-107 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4.
Jokic and Gordon Spearhead Denver’s Charge
In a game filled with critical performances, Nikola Jokic stood out with a monumental effort, scoring 16 of his 35 points in the crucial fourth quarter. Aaron Gordon, not to be outdone, shot an almost perfect 11-for-12 from the field, totaling 27 points.
“It’s just like a laser-sharp focus and a surgical execution,” Gordon said.
Jamal Murray also made significant contributions, particularly with a momentum-shifting buzzer-beater from behind half-court, which epitomized Denver’s renewed vigor.
“Game 2 definitely woke us up,” Murray noted. “We realized we can’t hold ourselves back.”
Timberwolves’ Struggles Continue at Home
Despite a record-setting 44-point effort from Anthony Edwards, the highest in the franchise’s postseason history, the Timberwolves found themselves on the back foot for the second consecutive game at home.
“We won two games, but we didn’t think it was going to be easy,” Edwards said.
His performance, however, wasn’t enough to overcome the strategic depth and execution of the Nuggets.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert struggled to impose their will, with Towns shooting just 5 for 18 and Gobert coming alive too late to tilt the scales. This pair’s inability to dominate was a critical factor in Minnesota’s faltering at home.
Defending champ Nuggets tie Timberwolves with 2nd straight road win, 115-107 in Game 4https://t.co/g6ExYrBt6T#statsoverpolitics #WolvesBack #Road2Gold #NBA #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/KDgPpgLMy8
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Nuggets Copy Wolves’ Winning Formula
As the series shifts back to Denver for Game 5, the Nuggets seem to have adopted some of the strategic elements that initially gave the Timberwolves an edge. Denver’s bench, including contributions from Justin Holiday, Christian Braun, and Reggie Jackson, was crucial. Their sharpshooting from beyond the arc during a key 26-4 run showed that Denver could match Minnesota’s depth and defensive prowess.
Coach Mike Malone praised his team’s effort, especially Gordon’s versatile defense and selflessness.
“The shot-making, the play-making, the physicality, the defense on two All-Stars, so much is being asked of him right now,” Malone said. “It’s always been about the Nuggets first. He is truly selfless.”
Looking Ahead to Game 5
As both teams prepare for the next battle, the series remains wide open. The Nuggets’ ability to rebound from their initial setbacks demonstrates their championship mettle, while the Timberwolves must find answers to Denver’s adaptive strategies. With the series now tied, Game 5 in Denver promises to be a pivotal moment in this high-stakes playoff saga.
