Jokic explodes on defenseless Wolves as the Nuggets win 112-97 for their third straight game.

In a third quarter that outperformed his first, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic transcended both basketball and existence, leading his Denver Nuggets to their first home victory of the series over Minnesota.

Due to an Achilles injury, the Wolves were forced to replace their reliable floor general, Mike Conley, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker and then Monte Morris. Fortunately, there was not much of a deficit until that pivotal second half.

Karl-Anthony Towns led his team in scoring in the loss despite overcoming a left knee injury with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals.

Anthony Edwards had a rare off night (18 points and 9 assists), but Rudy Gobert was unstoppable from the field with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

proven expensive.

While Jamal Murray (16 points and 4 assists) had a quieter game, MVP Nikola Jokic (40 points, 13 assists, 7 rebounds, and 0 turnovers) put Minnesota to the test. But Christian Braun (10 points and 5 rebounds) continued to shine off the bench, and Aaron Gordon (18 points and 6 assists) and Kentavius Caldwell-Pope (16 points and 5 rebounds) made up the difference.

Towns had a larger role in shot creation during the first quarter. With a move akin to a Dream Shake, Jokic set the tone for himself to win “Defensive Player of the Year” once more. Towns suffered a momentary setback to his left knee but quickly got back into the game. Jokic cooked Naz Reid in the post to break a brief Nuggets slump. Minnesota was kept within striking distance by Alexander-Walker’s second three, but Reggie Jackson’s spectacular transition lay-up put the Nuggets up 28–26 at the half.

Gobert scored twice quickly to begin the second quarter. Reid was given a second foul by Braun. Reid was sent to the bench for the half after Gordon fouled him for the third time in a matter of moments. After some tense possessions kept the teams tied at 31, there was an exciting exchange of baskets. To regain the lead, the Nuggets positioned two strong buckets by Braun around a Gordon jam. They led 47–44 at the half after Murray’s floater and Jokic’s stepback three put them up seven.

Gobert opened the second quarter with two fast goals. Braun called Reid for a second foul. Gordon fouled Reid for the third time in a short period of time, sending him to the bench for the half. The teams were deadlocked at 31 after a few tight possessions, but then there was a thrilling exchange of buckets. The Nuggets set up a Gordon jam with two powerful baskets by Braun to take the lead back. Murray’s floater and Jokic’s stepback three gave them a seven-point lead at the half, 47–44.