Timberwolves take 2-1 lead on Nuggets with dominant D in Game 3

Jaden McDaniels and the Minnesota Timberwolves flexed even more of their defensive muscle against the flagging Denver Nuggets and seized a 2-1 lead in the first-round NBA playoff series with a dominant 113-96 victory in Game 3.

McDaniels had 20 points and 10 rebounds, Ayo Dosunmu scored 25 points with nine assists off the bench, and Donte DiVincenzo had 15 points and four steals.

Rudy Gobert followed his inspired Game 2 effort against Nikola Jokic by stifling the three-time MVP again.

The Timberwolves established a postseason franchise record by allowing the Nuggets just 11 points in the tone-setting first quarter.