Timberwolves Take 2-1 Lead Over Nuggets as Hawks Edge Knicks in NBA Playoffs

The NBA playoffs delivered another night of intense action as the Minnesota Timberwolves seized a 2-1 series lead over the Denver Nuggets with a commanding 113-96 victory in Game 3.

Jaden McDaniels led the charge with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Ayo Dosunmu made a huge impact off the bench with 25 points and nine assists. Donte DiVincenzo contributed 15 points and four steals as Minnesota’s defence overwhelmed Denver early, limiting them to just 11 points in the first quarter — a franchise playoff record.

Defensively, Rudy Gobert once again contained Nikola Jokic, who struggled with a 7-for-26 shooting performance despite finishing with 27 points and 15 rebounds. The Nuggets, missing Aaron Gordon due to injury, lacked energy, while Jamal Murray added 16 points but struggled with efficiency.

Elsewhere, the Atlanta Hawks edged the New York Knicks 109-108 in a dramatic finish to take a 2-1 lead in their series. CJ McCollum sealed the win with a clutch fadeaway jumper in the final seconds, finishing with 23 points.

Atlanta had controlled much of the game, building an early 18-point lead, but New York fought back late. Jalen Brunson briefly put the Knicks ahead in the final minute, but the Hawks responded decisively. Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 24 points, while Jonathan Kuminga impressed off the bench with 21.

For the Knicks, OG Anunoby scored 29 points, Brunson added 26, and Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in with 21, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.

In another matchup, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers to cut the series deficit to 2-1, ending a 12-game playoff losing streak against Cleveland.

Scottie Barnes delivered a standout performance with 33 points and 11 assists, while RJ Barrett also scored 33. Collin Murray-Boyles added 22 points, and Jamison Battle provided a late boost with 14 points in the fourth quarter.

Cleveland, who had dominated the previous game, were led by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Max Strus with 15 points each, while James Harden added 18. However, they were unable to extend their historic winning streak against Toronto.

With momentum shifting across multiple series, the playoffs continue to deliver high drama as teams battle for control heading into the next round of games.