Jaden McDaniels and the Minnesota Timberwolves flexed their defensive muscle once again, dominating the Denver Nuggets 113-96 in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series.

McDaniels posted 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Ayo Dosunmu came off the bench to contribute 25 points and nine assists. Donte DiVincenzo added 15 points and four steals for the surging Timberwolves.

Rudy Gobert continued his strong defensive play against Nikola Jokic, holding the three-time MVP to just 7-of-26 shooting. Minnesota set a franchise playoff record by allowing only 11 points in the first quarter.

Jokic finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds, but it was too little, too late. Jamal Murray struggled, scoring 16 points on 5-of-17 shooting. The Nuggets were without Aaron Gordon due to a calf injury.

In other games, the Atlanta Hawks edged the New York Knicks 109-108 to take a 2-1 series lead, as CJ McCollum hit the game-winning fadeaway jumper with 12.5 seconds left.

The Toronto Raptors cut the Cleveland Cavaliers' series lead to 2-1, with Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett each scoring a playoff career-high 33 points in a 124-112 victory.

Source: www.aljazeera.com