Anthony Edwards scored 43 factors for the Minnesota Timberwolves as they beat the Denver Nuggets 106-99 within the opening sport of their NBA Western Convention semi-final collection.
Edwards made 17 of 29 pictures from the ground, whereas making three from seven from three-point vary and all six of his free throws.
The defeat means the Nuggets are trailing in a play-off collection for the primary time since dropping to the Golden State Warriors within the first spherical in 2022.
“My team-mates belief me in each place in crucial moments within the sport. I attempt to come by for them,” mentioned Edwards.
“It is robust right here. The altitude, their group, the gang. I am happy with my teammates. They got here out and fought super-hard.”
The sport was tied at 84-84 earlier than Minnesota went on an 18-7 run on the best way to victory.
Nikola Jokic prime scored for the Nuggets, who’re defending champions, with 32 factors however he was additionally pressured right into a game-high seven turnovers.
The subsequent sport of the best-of-seven-series will likely be on Monday in Denver.
“There’s loads we will clear up and get higher at and we will need to,” mentioned Nuggets coach Michael Malone.
“Performed no defence within the third and you may’t simply commerce baskets with that group. There’s loads that we’ll have a look at within the movie and try to clear up.”