By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In a dominant display of defensive prowess, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a commanding 113–96 victory over the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on Thursday, taking a 2-1 lead in a best-of-seven series of the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google.
In a masterclass of interior containment spearheaded by French starting center Rudy Gobert, he was the Game 3’s definitive defensive anchor. The 33-year-old Saint-Quentin native, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, logged 36 minutes, posting a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double, to go with three blocks and three assists, but his impact was best measured by his individual battles with Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic. Under relentless pressure, the Joker struggled significantly, finishing with 27 points on a frustrated 7-of-26 shooting performance.
The backcourt also benefited from European flair, as Italian starter Donte DiVincenzo provided a versatile spark, tallying 15 points, seven assists, and four steals, harassing ball-handlers throughout the night. Furthermore, French prospect Joan Beringer grabbed two rebounds during a late appearance in Chris Finch’s rotation.
For the Nuggets, coached by David Adelman, the mountain was too steep to climb without Aaron Gordon, who was a late scratch due to calf tightness. Denver fell behind early and never led, trailing by as many as 27 points before reducing the deficit late in the fourth quarter.
Besides a game-high 27 points, Jokic ended up with 15 rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 35 minutes, but Lithuanian backup center Jonas Valanciunas did not see floor time.
The Wolves will look to push the Nuggets to the brink of elimination when the series continues in Minneapolis. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday at Target Center.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 1-1 (101-112, 98-83)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-1 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 1-1 (123-91, 97-111)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 2-0 (119-84, 120-107)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 2-0 (107-98, 101-94)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-2 (126-115, 114-119, 96-113)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 1-1 (111-98, 103-106)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions