NBA Playoffs Update 2024: Timberwolves Dominate Nuggets, Brunson Leads Knicks to Victory
The latest NBA action saw the Minnesota Timberwolves and the New York Knicks deliver thrilling performances, capturing attention with standout plays and significant victories.
As the series returns to Minneapolis for game three on Friday, the third-seeded Timberwolves hounded Denver mercilessly to win over the NBA champion for the second time in as many games.
With a 106-80 away win on Monday, the Minnesota Timberwolves took a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven playoff series against the Denver Nuggets thanks to a masterful defensive performance.
As the series returns to Minneapolis for game three on Friday, the third-seeded Timberwolves hounded Denver mercilessly to win over the NBA champion for the second time in as many games.
Though Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns both scored 27 points, Minnesota’s oppressive defense was the game’s standout performance as it stopped Denver cold practically from the opening tip.
In stark contrast against Denver, who only managed six thefts and five blocks, the Timberwolves finished with 11 steals and 12 blocks.
Ironically, Minnesota’s supremacy was accomplished without the Frenchman Rudy Gobert, one of the Timberwolves’ defensive mainstays.
After the couple’s son was born earlier on Monday, Gobert left the game to spend time with his girlfriend.
“You have to step it up when you don’t win defensive player of the year,” Towns remarked after the game.
“We all recognized the difficulty we would face playing the reigning champions, a formidable squad that included some of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
“Our only goal in coming here was to figure out how to win the game.”
Game three may also see the absence of standout point guard Jamal Murray for the usually unflappable Nuggets.
Murray might face a ban if NBA disciplinary chiefs evaluate the footage of him throwing a heat pack onto the court during the second quarter.
That sequence summed up the Nuggets’ problems in a game when Minnesota had the upper hand after jumping out to a 28–20 lead at the half.
After a terrible second quarter in which Denver was outscored 33–15 by Minneapolis, the Timberwolves led 61–35 at the break.
Also Read: Rudy Gobert Clinches 2024 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award; Victor voted unanimous Rookie
Denver’s Ball Arena was startled into silence as Minnesota’s unwavering defense refused to let up their lead in the second half. Early in the third quarter, the visitor jumped out to a 32-point lead.
“We just got beat up in our building and we got embarrassed in front of our fans,” Denver coach Michael Malone said.
The fact that we won’t be playing until Friday is a plus because it gives us time to reflect on our future plans and take a break, Malone continued. “I just want to win game three, that’s all I’m worried about.”
In the other playoff game on Monday, the New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers 121-117 in their Eastern Conference opener thanks to a thrilling fourth quarter from Jalen Brunson.
Knicks talisman Brunson gave New York the early lead in their best-of-seven conference semifinal with a final score of 43 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
However, it was his composed effort in the closing moments that propelled New York to triumph in front of 19,812 spectators at a fervent Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks guard finished his fourth consecutive postseason game with 40 points or more after scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter. Josh Hart contributed with a huge performance that included 24 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and a block. Donte DiVincenzo supported Brunson with 25 points.
With 23 points, Myles Turner led the Pacers, and Pascal Siakam chipped in with 19. Following the victory, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau remarked, “That’s what you love about Jalen.”
“I could talk forever about him, but his devotion to the team is what I adore about him.”His only concern is winning. Additionally, he is concerned about his teammates and will ultimately provide for our needs.
However, I believe that all of the males could say the same thing.
In a thrilling game that saw no team gain more than a single-digit edge over the course of four quarters, Brunson made the difference.
The Pacers led by nine points at the beginning of the fourth quarter, but after a step-back jumper by Brunson with 2 minutes and 42 seconds left, the Knicks stormed back to take a 113-109 lead.
With 40 seconds left, DiVincenzo made a key clutch play as well, making a 28-foot three-pointer to give New York a 118-115 lead.
Indiana closed the gap to 118-117, but with 13 seconds left, a severe offensive foul on DiVincenzo by Turner proved to be the game-winning play. The second game is scheduled for Wednesday in New York.
