Timberwolves’ Ayo Dosunmu breaks obscure record in Game 3 Nuggets drubbing

The Minnesota Timberwolves took the reins of their first-round series, dispatching the Denver Nuggets 113-96 in Game 3 on Thursday at Target Center, behind a historic performance from guard Ayo Dosunmu.

The 26-year-old scored a game-high 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting, adding nine assists and three rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench. His nine assists set a new franchise playoff record for most assists by a reserve, surpassing the previous high of seven held by Wally Szczerbiak and Rod Strickland. Since arriving via trade from the Chicago Bulls, Dosunmu has become an essential contributor.

Minnesota outscored Denver 68-34 in the paint, built a 61-39 halftime lead, and expanded its advantage to as many as 27 points in the second half. Defensively, they held the Nuggets to just 11 points in the first quarter, a franchise postseason record, and limited them to 34% shooting, including 8-of-32 from three-point range. Denver also managed just 12 assists on 28 made baskets, their lowest playoff assist total since 2011.

Jaden McDaniels finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds on 9-of-13 shooting, while Donte DiVincenzo contributed 15 points, seven assists, and four steals. Rudy Gobert anchored the defense with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, holding Nikola Jokic to 7-of-26 shooting despite his 27 points and 15 rebounds.

For the Nuggets, Jamal Murray struggled with 16 points on 5-of-17 shooting, while the team shot just 30% from three (33-of-109) through three games. The absence of Aaron Gordon with a calf injury did not help their cause.

The Timberwolves, who rallied from a 19-point deficit to win Game 2, now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1, with Game 4 set for Saturday in Minneapolis.

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