Edwards shine as Timberwolves Dominate Nuggets with 20 points

Anthony Edwards helped Minnesota Timberwolves take a commanding 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, winning 106-80.

Anthony Edwards led the charge with 27 points and 12 rebounds as Rudy Gobert, the team’s centre, missed the game to witness the birth of his first child.

Despite his absence, the Timberwolves limited the defending NBA champions to a season-low score with Edwards being instrumental to the success.

Nikola Jokic shone with 16 points and 16 rebounds, whereas Jamal Murray had a tough night with 3-for-18 shooting, scoring just eight points but pulling down a career-best 13 rebounds. Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 20 points, and Justin Holiday added 13 points off the bench. Reggie Jackson exited the game in the fourth quarter with an apparent ankle injury.

The Timberwolves have won six straight playoff games, with Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each scoring 14 points. Minnesota’s offence flourished in the first half, with Karl-Anthony Towns scoring 20 points and the team shooting 54.5% from the floor. The Timberwolves went on a decisive run spanning the first and second quarters, taking a 20-point lead with 8:05 remaining in the first half. They extended their lead to 61-35 at halftime and continued to dominate, with Alexander-Walker’s 3-pointer giving them a 32-point lead in the third quarter.

Although Denver found an offensive rhythm and narrowed the lead, the Timberwolves maintained control, leading 82-60 by the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Nuggets missed crucial long-range attempts, and the Timberwolves sealed the win, with Towns and Alexander-Walker contributing to the final score of 106-80.