The defending champions, Denver Nuggets outgunned the Minnesota Timberwolves 115-107 to level their NBA playoff series on Sunday, as the Indiana Pacers even the series with a 121-89 Game 4 win over the New York Knicks.
Nikola Jokic finished with 35 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists as the Nuggets won over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinal series in Minneapolis.
"Now it's best of three," Jokic said, adding that the Timberwolves' stunning victories in Games 1 and 2 in Denver had only strengthened the defending champions.
"We took a hit and we bounced back and hopefully we can defend the home court now," said Jokic.
Nikola Jokic (C) of the Denver Nuggets runs the offense during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, U.S., May 12, 2024. /CFP
Aaron Gordon scored 27 points on 11-for-12 shooting for Denver, which pulled even at 2-2 in the best-of-seven set. Jamal Murray scored 19 points on 8-for-17 shooting and Christian Braun chipped in 11 points off the bench.
"It's just like a laser-sharp focus," Gordon said, "and a surgical execution."
"The shot-making, the play-making, the physicality, the defense on two All-Stars, so much is being asked of him right now," Nuggets coach Mike Malone said. "What you love about Aaron Gordon since Day 1, when he put on that Nuggets uniform. It's always been about the Nuggets first. He is truly selfless."
Anthony Edwards (#5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves scores as Christian Braun (C) of the Denver Nuggets looks up during the third quarter of their game at Target Center in Minneapolis, U.S., May 12, 2024. /CFP
Anthony Edwards led all scorers with 44 points on 16-for-25 shooting for Minnesota. Karl-Anthony Towns added 13 points and 12 rebounds and Rudy Gobert notched 11 points and 14 rebounds.
The series will be back in Denver at Ball Arena for Game 5 on Tuesday night.
Tyrese Haliburton (L) of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball over the New York Knicks forward Precious Achiuwa (#5) during their game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, May 12, 2024. /CFP
The Indiana Pacers rolled to their third-biggest playoff victory ever, beating the New York Knicks to even the Eastern Conference semifinal series at 2-2.
Tyrese Haliburton scored 20 points, T.J. McConnell added 15 points and 10 assists.
Haliburton also had six rebounds, five assists and four 3-pointers as the Pacers led by 43 points during a start-to-finish romp. They fell just short of their most lopsided playoff victory, when they beat Cleveland by 34 points in April 2018.
Game 5 of the series will be played on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden in New York.
(With input from agencies)