By Daniel Paiz

Denver’s team effort throughout leads to a pivotal 112-97 win at home, as the Denver Nuggets defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-97 to take a 3-2 series lead. Nikola Jokic was awarded his third MVP trophy prior to the start of Game 4, and he delivered an MVP performance: 40 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds with no turnovers. Aaron Gordon returned to his “Point Gordon” ways as well, adding 18 points and 10 rebounds. Jamal Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in 16 points apiece for good measure, and Denver’s bench added 16 points as well.

Karl-Anthony Towns had a quiet 23 points and six rebounds. Anthony Edwards was double-teamed early and often, leading to an underwhelming 18 points and nine assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker stepped up in place of the injured Mike Conley and scored 14 points.

Quarter by Quarter

First Quarter

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hits a baseline jumper to start the night for Denver. The defense on both ends is pretty tough, and both teams are battling for momentum. Gordon lobs it to Caldwell-Pope to cut the lead 7-6 road team. Fadeaway shot from Jokic ties it at 8 with under eight to go. Jokic keeps scoring, and Michael Porter Jr. then hits a three, giving Denver a 16-15 lead with under six. KCP and MPJ hitting early are very important for the home team.

Jokic gets another driving floater and gets the foul call, making it 24-21 with two minutes left. Towns bumped his knee against Caldwell-Pope, and he is hobbling on the floor right now. Back-to-back Jackson scores makes it 28-24, and Denver leads 28-26 after one. Jokie has 12 points so far.

Second Quarter

Minnesota goes on a quick 5-0 run to start the second, up 31-28 now. Gordon’s putback jam ties the game at 31! Braun then blocks Edwards’ shot to the second row! Denver has gotten three charges to cause Minnesota turnovers as the home team defensively steps up. Almost four minutes of no scoring for the visitors. AARON GORDON THROWS IT DOWN! 35-33 Denver as ramped up defense and hustle defines this quarter. Braun has made some key buckets, and it’s 39-37 Denver with four minutes to go.

Jokic to Gordon leads to another dunk and it’s 41-37. Another Braun jam makes it 43-39, timeout road team. Denver keeps answering when the Wolves score, and it’s coming from multiple places. Jokic three makes it 46-39. 50-44 after a Murray floater, and Denver holds the lead at halftime. Jokic already has 19 points to lead Denver.

Third Quarter

Minnesota has come out swinging as they score quickly and take a lead 55-53 to start the third, timeout Denver. The Nuggets are not coming out with the same energy they finished the half with, so it’s time to regroup. Gordon and Murray getting to the rim retakes the lead for Denver, 59-55 with eight to go. 64-57 after a Jokic rebound and beautiful full court pass to Murray who gets the layup, touchdown! Timeout road team, Denver responds yet again thanks to Gordon’s efforts.

68-61 after multiple Jokic buckets on Gobert. 74-63 Denver with over 4 minutes left, Denver’s effort is paying dividends. 78-70 after the Wolves score, 2:32 left; there’s a feeling of setting the last quarter’s momentum with these last few plays. Jokic hits the and one layup to make it 86-72 with less than a minute left, and Minnesota has no answers for the MVP. 88-74 Denver to end the third, Jokic has 35 points in three quarters.

Fourth Quarter

Minnesota scores a quick six to make it 90-80 Denver, timeout home team. The offensive rhythm is off for Denver, and the ball movement has to ramp up a bit. KCP three out the timeout, 93-80 as Denver moves the ball. KCP again makes it 96-80. Jamal Murray steals it away from Edwards, forwards it ahead to Jokic for the jam, 98-80 with seven minutes to go. Gordon with the bank shot puts it back to 103-90. 106-92 now as Jokic hits another three and has forty points with three minutes left. Murray gets going here now, hitting a few shots to make it 110-94.

112-97 is the final score as Denver defends home court and the Nuggets now hold a 3-2 series lead.

Game 4 Keys, what to do in Game 5

Point Gordon returns

Aaron Gordon only had five assists, but that’s not what this new moniker refers to. Instead, it’s Gordon patiently waiting to make passes, getting the ball to his teammates, and energizing his team with his scoring and effort. Point guards traditionally do that, and Gordon has learned well from Jokic on how to facilitate the game. 18 points and 10 rebounds certainly help. But, what’s immeasurable in effort was the key to Denver responding to multiple Minnesota runs at the start of quarters.

Bench shines again

16 points doesn’t seem like much until checking the final score (Denver won by 15). Braun’s 10 points and five rebounds were essential to this win. Reggie Jackson didn’t have a lot of luck tonight but still chipped in six points to the effort. Justin Holiday’s defensive presence and effort added to the overall team effort in pivotal moments. The starters decide games, but the bench is who puts them in a position sometimes to do so.

Maximum Effort

Denver largely held the momentum the entire night. One can initially look at Jokic’s dominance in the paint, and Gordon’s efforts throughout. However, there were times where Denver didn’t score in the second quarter and their defensive efforts prevented the visitors from capitalizing. The defending champs have locked into what they need to do. If they can replicate tonight, they’ll book their tickets to the Western Conference Finals for a second year running.