MVP Jokic, Nuggets blow out Timberwolves on road in Game 3

After the Wolves blew out the Nuggets in Denver in Game 2, Denver returned the favor in Minneapolis in Game 3. Denver won the first three quarters handily, taking a 15-point lead into halftime and a 27-point lead after three quarters — even after Kyle Anderson’s buzzer-beating three.

Anderson lost his cool in the fourth quarter as he and teammate Nickeil Alexander-Walker both picked up technicals arguing the same play.

It felt similar to Game 2 when Denver coach Michael Malone screamed at a referee and Jamal Murray threw various objects on the floor. In both cases, the anger seemed more based on missed shots and great defense from their opponent than any calls the officials made or missed.

Speaking of Murray, he bounced back from two disappointing playoff games to score 24 points as well as contribute five assists and three steals. Michael Porter Jr. added 21 points along with four triples and the Nuggets got a crucial 17 points from bench players Reggie Jackson, Christian Braun and Justin Holiday.

But beyond home-court advantage and emotional meltdowns, the biggest reason Denver won was that Nikola Jokic dominated with 24 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists, reminding everyone watching why he’s won three MVP trophies in four years.

The Timberwolves were hurt by early foul trouble, which slowed down their ferocious defense. But they also couldn’t make an outside shot outside of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, who were 7 for 13 from distance combined. The rest of the team? 3 for 20.

They say it’s not truly a playoff series until one team wins a road game. This wild series may not settle down until one team manages to finally win a home game. 

The Wolves get the next chance to do that on Sunday.