Timberwolves Take Game with Historic Performance
MINNEAPOLIS — Ayo Dosunmu achieved a personal best, scoring 43 points and showcasing a resilient comeback from previous foot injuries. This performance marks the highest points by a bench player in the playoffs since 1976, helping the Minnesota Timberwolves secure a 112-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.
The Timberwolves, now leading the series 3-1, witnessed an eventful conclusion to the game. Both Nikola Jokic from Denver and Julius Randle from Minnesota were ejected after Jaden McDaniels made a layup with just 2.1 seconds on the clock. Jokic appeared particularly upset after confronting a Timberwolves player near the bench.
Before this game, the last significant bench scoring came from Seattle’s Fred Brown, who put up 45 points in an April 1976 matchup against Phoenix.
In terms of the Timberwolves’ overall performance, they’ve now secured three consecutive wins and have the chance to conclude the series in Game 5 in Denver on Monday.
Dosunmu had an impressive shooting night, making 13 of his 17 attempts, including all five of his 3-pointers, and going a perfect 12-for-12 at the free-throw line. His contribution has far exceeded expectations since his acquisition from Chicago in February.
Other key players for Minnesota included Naz Reid with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Randle added 15 points and nine rebounds to the mix.
On the Denver side, Jamal Murray led with 30 points. Jokic delivered 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists but struggled with his shooting, hitting only 6 of 27 shots from beyond the arc.
During the game, the Nuggets briefly held a seven-point lead in the third quarter, but Minnesota’s defense helped them regain control. Dosunmu and Bones Hyland each scored on breakaway layups, turning the game around.
Randle increased the momentum with a steal and fast-break dunk, right before the Timberwolves took a four-point lead at the end of the third quarter.
Dosunmu continued to shine, adding another steal and layup during a 9-0 run early in the fourth, which pushed Minnesota’s lead to 95-82. The moment that solidified their lead came from a 3-pointer by Mike Conley, who stepped in for DiVincenzo and Edwards, showcasing his experience.
