Anthony Edwards injured! Dosunmu scores 43 points, Timberwolves defeat Nuggets to lead series 3-1, Jokic and Randle ejected

On April 26, Beijing time, the NBA playoffs continued. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-96 at home, taking a 3-1 lead in the series. The Timberwolves suffered consecutive injury setbacks during the game, with DiVincenzo (Achilles tear, season-ending) and Edwards (left knee injury) both exiting. The Nuggets led by 4 points at halftime, but the Timberwolves overtook them in the second half and secured the win. Jokic contributed 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists. Dosunmu was the Timberwolves' standout performer, scoring 43 points off the bench—a career-high (regular season and playoffs)—shooting 13-of-17 from the field, 5-of-5 from three-point range, and 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. A conflict erupted after McDaniels scored a layup during garbage time, resulting in ejections for Jokic and Randle.

Statistics

Nuggets: Murray 30 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists; Jokic 24 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals; Hardaway 10 points, 5 rebounds; Gordon 9 points; Johnson 9 points; Braun 8 points, 5 rebounds; Brown 6 points; Conley 5 points, 4 assists.

Timberwolves: Dosunmu 43 points, 4 rebounds, 5 three-pointers, 2 blocks; Reid 17 points, 9 rebounds; Randle 15 points, 9 rebounds; McDaniels 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists; Hyland 8 points, 6 assists; Edwards 5 points, 3 rebounds; Gobert 4 points, 15 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks.

Player of the Game

Despite consecutive injuries to the Timberwolves, Dosunmu took on the offensive burden and delivered an outstanding performance to lead the team to victory.

Game Highlights

With the outcome decided in the final moments, McDaniels' layup during garbage time provoked dissatisfaction from Nuggets players, leading to a conflict. Jokic and Randle were ejected.

Game Injuries

Less than two minutes into the game, DiVincenzo suffered a non-contact injury to his right calf and exited. Shams reported that DiVincenzo sustained an Achilles tear. Before the game ended, DiVincenzo left the arena in a wheelchair. Just over two minutes before halftime, Edwards hyperextended his left knee while defending, fell to the floor in pain, and was assisted off the court.

Game Recap

In the first quarter, Randle scored on a mid-range shot, Edwards hit a three-pointer, and DiVincenzo suffered a non-contact calf injury, exiting the game. Jokic initiated his scoring mode, tallying 6 points consecutively. Murray also connected on a mid-range shot. Dosunmu, replacing DiVincenzo, hit a three-pointer, and Gobert scored on a floater. Braun made a three-pointer, and Dosunmu hit another. Reid dunked, and Hardaway scored 4 points in succession. At the end of the quarter, the Nuggets led 23-22.

In the second quarter, Reid scored 5 points consecutively, while Murray responded with 7 points of his own. Dosunmu scored via free throws and shots, Jokic made a floater, Brown hit two baskets, and the Nuggets led by 5 points. Dosunmu and Edwards scored on free throws, and Jokic, Braun, and Johnson quickly responded. Edwards suffered an unexpected knee injury while defending and exited. Dosunmu, Hyland, and Reid carried the offensive load, while Gordon and Murray hit three-pointers. At halftime, the Nuggets led 54-50.

After the break, Dosunmu and Conley replaced Edwards and DiVincenzo in the starting lineup. Gobert received a technical foul, and Gordon and Jokic scored. Randle hit a mid-range shot, Dosunmu scored 5 points consecutively, and the Timberwolves used a 9-0 run to take the lead. Gordon went to the locker room for evaluation, Hardaway converted a 2+1, Murray hit a three-pointer, and the Nuggets responded with an 8-0 run. Dosunmu hit another three-pointer, Hyland and Dosunmu scored on consecutive fast-break plays. Reid and Hardaway received technical fouls. Reid scored consecutively, Randle dunked, and at the end of the third quarter, the Timberwolves led 82-78.

In the fourth quarter, Reid scored on a layup, Murray scored via shots and free throws, and McDaniels responded with a floater. Conley stole the ball, Dosunmu scored on the fast break, Conley hit a three-pointer, Dosunmu scored on a bank shot, and the Timberwolves led by 13 points. Murray made two free throws, Gobert scored on a putback, Dosunmu hit a floater, Murray scored 5 points consecutively, and the Nuggets trailed by 7 points. Dosunmu scored again on a drive, the Nuggets committed two consecutive turnovers, and Dosunmu hit another three-pointer. Jokic made two free throws, the outcome became clear, and the Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets at home. McDaniels' layup during garbage time sparked a conflict, resulting in ejections for Jokic and Randle.

Starting Lineups

Nuggets: Murray, Braun, Cameron Johnson, Gordon, Jokic

Timberwolves: DiVincenzo, Edwards, McDaniels, Randle, Gobert