Minneapolis, MN—Despite facing a daunting 0-2 deficit in the Western Conference semifinals, the Denver Nuggets refused to succumb to defeatism. Rallying with tenacity, they showcased resilience and precision to level the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a decisive 115-107 victory in Game 4 on Sunday night.
Nikola Jokic emerged as the linchpin of the Nuggets’ resurgence, delivering a stellar performance with 35 points, including a staggering 16 points in the crucial fourth quarter. Aaron Gordon complemented Jokic’s brilliance with an outstanding display, chipping in 27 points on an impressive 11-for-12 shooting.
Reflecting on their triumph, Gordon attributed their success to a “laser-sharp focus” and “surgical execution.” The momentum from Jamal Murray’s heroic buzzer-beating shot in the previous game spilled over, as he contributed 19 points, 12 of which came in a pivotal third quarter surge.
Despite an electrifying 44-point performance from Anthony Edwards, setting a franchise postseason record for the Timberwolves, the Nuggets managed to stifle Minnesota’s offensive firepower. The Wolves, despite boasting a 42-31 rebounding edge, faltered against the Nuggets’ relentless defense for the second consecutive home game.
With the series now shifting back to Denver for Game 5, both teams brace for another intense battle. Mike Malone, the Nuggets’ coach, praised Gordon for his multifaceted contributions, emphasizing his selflessness and versatility on both ends of the court.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves, after a deflating defeat, seek to regroup and rediscover their edge. Coach Chris Finch expressed the urgency to reinvigorate their performance, emphasizing the need to maintain intensity from the onset to thwart the Nuggets’ onslaught.
Despite the setback, the T-wolves showcased glimpses of their defensive prowess and depth in the opening games. However, the Nuggets, replicating their opponent’s strategy, showcased their own depth and resilience, capitalizing on contributions from role players like Justin Holiday, Christian Braun, and Reggie Jackson.
As the series intensifies, both teams recognize the importance of every possession and remain poised for a fiercely contested showdown. Jokic encapsulated the Nuggets’ collective ethos, acknowledging the unsung contributions of teammates, highlighting their commitment to the collective cause.
