Timberwolves win Game 4 as injuries and scuffle erupt
Tap title to read story
Minneapolis — The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 112-96 in Game 4 on Saturday, taking a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference quarterfinals as two Minnesota players were lost to injury and Denver struggled to respond. Ayo Dosunmu came off the bench to score 43 points, while Donte DiVincenzo left early with a right-leg injury described as a torn right Achilles tendon and Anthony Edwards exited late in the first half after hyperextending his left knee; both teams began medical evaluations afterward.
Minneapolis — The game ended amid a bench-area scrum after Nikola Jokic confronted Jaden McDaniels following an uncontested late layup; Jokic and Timberwolves forward Julius Randle were ejected. Jokic finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists, and Jamal Murray scored 30 but needed 25 shot attempts. Minnesota flipped the third quarter and used physical defense — including Rudy Gobert wearing down Jokic — while Denver’s supporting cast struggled, Aaron Gordon battled left calf tightness and Denver’s three-point efficiency plummeted. The Nuggets are now on the brink of first-round elimination, and Game 5 is scheduled Monday at Ball Arena.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Donte DiVincenzo injured his right lower leg 1:19 into Game 4 and exited the game.
- 2. Anthony Edwards hyperextended his left knee late in the first half and did not return.
- 3. Ayo Dosunmu scored 43 points as the Timberwolves won Game 4 and took a 3-1 series lead.
- 4. With seconds remaining, Jaden McDaniels scored an uncontested layup, drawing Nikola Jokic's protest.
- 5. A confrontation and bench scrum led to the ejections of Nikola Jokic and Julius Randle.
Why it matters
This game was a rollercoaster for Timberwolves and Nuggets fans alike. Injuries to key players DiVincenzo and Edwards could impact the Timberwolves' performance in the rest of the series. If you're a fan, keep an eye on their recovery updates. The scuffle at the end shows tensions are high, making the next game a must-watch.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
