Ayo Dosunmu erupted for a career-high 43 points, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 112-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. The win gives Minnesota a 3-1 lead in their Western Conference first-round series, moving them within one victory of advancing.
Dosunmu, coming off the bench, produced the highest-scoring playoff performance by a reserve in 50 years. He shot an efficient 13-of-17 from the field, including a perfect 5-of-5 from three-point range, and went 12-for-12 from the free-throw line. His 43 points are the most by a bench player in the playoffs since Fred Brown scored 45 for Seattle in 1976.
The Timberwolves were forced to rely on Dosunmu after injuries to Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo. Naz Reid added 17 points and nine rebounds, while Julius Randle contributed 15 points and nine boards. Randle was ejected after a late confrontation with Denver's Nikola Jokic, who also received an ejection. The incident occurred with 2.1 seconds remaining after Jaden McDaniels converted a layup.
Jamal Murray led Denver with 30 points, while Jokic had 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. The Nuggets struggled from long range, shooting just 6-of-27. Minnesota has now won three straight games and can close out the series in Game 5 on Tuesday in Denver.
Thunder Dominate Suns, Take 3-0 Lead
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 121-109 win over the Phoenix Suns, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead. The reigning MVP shot 15-of-18 from the field in a highly efficient performance. Ajay Mitchell added 15 points in place of the injured Jalen Williams, while Alex Caruso scored 13 off the bench. Chet Holmgren contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. Dillon Brooks led Phoenix with 33 points, while Jalen Green added 26. The Thunder will look to complete the sweep in Game 4 on Tuesday in Phoenix.
Magic and Knicks Secure Wins
Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane scored 25 points each as the Orlando Magic rallied late to defeat the Detroit Pistons 113-105, taking a 2-1 series lead. Banchero added 12 rebounds and nine assists, while Franz Wagner scored 17 points. Jalen Suggs chipped in 15, and Wendell Carter Jr. posted 14 points and 17 rebounds for Orlando.
Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his first career postseason triple-double to help the New York Knicks defeat the Atlanta Hawks 114-98, evening their series at 2-2. Towns finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming only the fourth Knicks player to register a playoff triple-double, joining Walt Frazier, Dick McGuire, and Josh Hart. OG Anunoby led New York with 22 points.
