MINNEAPOLIS — The premonition of such an evening stretched as far as the Rockies themselves. With their 2023 championship defense hanging in the balance, the Nuggets came out swinging in a surprisingly dominant Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals. The fate of the series now teeters on a knife’s edge, to be decided come Sunday (8 ET, TNT).
Yet, a whisper of suspense lingers after the Nuggets breezed through Game 3, exhibiting resilience and determination, refusing to concede a three-game deficit. From the opening tip-off, they held a commanding lead, ultimately sealing a 27-point victory.
Jamal Murray’s stellar performance, coupled with the Nuggets’ sharpshooting, left the Wolves grasping for answers. Consequently, Minnesota stumbled to its first playoff defeat in seven games, as Denver’s emphatic response sliced their series lead in half.
This historic Game 3 victory, boasting the largest margin for a team down 0-2 in postseason history, signals a remarkable resurgence, particularly following a 26-point loss in Game 2.
Here are five key takeaways from the Nuggets’ resounding 117-90 triumph, altering the series landscape to 2-1 in favor of Minnesota:
Murray’s Redemption Mission
Amidst a chorus of boos echoing through the Target Center, Jamal Murray found redemption on the court. Despite facing scrutiny for his actions in Game 2, Murray’s standout performance was pivotal to Denver’s victory, marking a stark contrast to his earlier playoff showings.
Wolves’ Reality Check
The Wolves’ playoff fairy tale hit a snag in Game 3, exposing vulnerabilities in their offensive arsenal. Unable to match the Nuggets’ intensity, Minnesota faltered, relinquishing their unbeaten postseason streak.
Nuggets’ Shooting Precision
In a dramatic turnaround from the previous game, the Nuggets found their mark from beyond the arc, shooting with pinpoint accuracy. Nikola Jokic’s orchestrations and Denver’s cohesive gameplay dismantled the Wolves’ defense, showcasing the team’s unrivaled chemistry.
McDaniels’ Absence Felt
Jaden McDaniels’ early foul trouble dealt a significant blow to the Wolves’ defensive strategy. His limited minutes allowed Murray and the Nuggets to seize control, highlighting McDaniels’ indispensable role in the series.
Nuggets’ Resurgence
Denver’s commanding performance harked back to their championship-winning form of yesteryears. This display of dominance mirrors their playoff journey, evoking memories of their triumphant run in the previous season.
