The Denver Nuggets bounce back after two home losses to the Timberwolves because Nikola Jokic isn’t the only one to impress. The Pacers demonstrate their home strength against the Knicks. The NBA playoffs on Saturday morning
30 teams have opened a series with two home losses in NBA playoff history – the Denver Nuggets are looking to be the sixth to advance anyway. On Saturday night (CEST), the defending champions bounced back against the Minnesota Timberwolves and cut the deficit in the best-of-seven series to 1-2.
In the 117:90 away win in Minneapolis, the Nuggets left no doubt from the outset as to who would leave the court as winners. They led by 34 points at one stage. Jamal Murray, who had only managed a total of 25 points in the first two games due to calf problems, scored 24 points this time – as did three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who also collected 14 rebounds and nine assists. Michael Porter Jr. (21) also cracked the 20-point mark.
The Timberwolves only sank ten of their 32 three-point attempts and Anthony Edwards (19 points), who has been so outstanding of late, was also off the mark this time. “I had no energy at all and let my team, the coaches and the fans down,” said the 22-year-old with no shortage of self-criticism.
The Wolves conceded their first defeat in this year’s playoffs after sweeping the Phoenix Suns in the opener. They finished the regular season one win behind the Nuggets, who will have to play on the road again in Game 4.
Nembhard’s three-pointer is too much for Hartenstein & Co.
The Indiana Pacers also cut their series against the New York Knicks to 1-2 after two opening defeats and also won their fourth postseason home game. Andrew Nembhard sank the decisive three-pointer from just under 9.5 meters out with 16 seconds remaining to make it 109:106 – the final score 111:106. However, the headlines also belonged to Tyrese Haliburton, who extended his personal playoff record of 34 points from Game 2 by another point.
Donte DiVincenzo with 35 points and Jalen Brunson with 26 were the best scorers for the depleted Knicks. Center Isaiah Hartenstein recorded six points, eight rebounds and five assists as the starter. The fourth clash will once again take place in Indianapolis
