Anthony Edwards, Wolves Dominate Nikola Jokic, Nuggets in Game 3 as NBA Fans React to Series Lead

Anthony Edwards powered the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 2-1 series lead over Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets following a 113-96 home win on Thursday.

The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled away early to secure the win behind a balanced effort, with six players scoring in double figures. 

Edwards finished with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists as Minnesota grabbed the series lead after taking Game 2 on the road and Game 3 at home.

Julius Randle added 15 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Rudy Gobert posted a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo contributed 15 points, and Jaden McDaniels added a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Ayo Dosunmu chipped in 25 points off the bench.

Jokic led the Nuggets with a double-double, posting 27 points and 15 rebounds, while Jamal Murray added 16 points in the loss.

The No. 3 Nuggets were outdueled in the paint by the No. 6 Timberwolves despite their edge with Jokic, 68-34.

The Nuggets were held to just 11 points in the opening quarter, falling behind by 14 after the first 12 minutes. By halftime, the deficit had ballooned to 22 as Edwards scored 11 points, while Jokic also entered the break with 11.

Denver couldn't recover from the early hole, trailing by 20 after three quarters. Despite curing into Minnesota's lead early in the fourth, the Timberwolves ran away with it down the stretch to secure the 17-point victory. 

The winner of the Nuggets-Timberwolves series will advance to the Western Conference semifinals to face either the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs or the No. 7 Portland Trail Blazers, with that series tied 1-1.

Game 4 between Denver and Minnesota is set for Saturday as the series remains in Minnesota.