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Timberwolves commit 25 turnovers in Game 5 loss to Nuggets
Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch speaks with reporters after Monday night's Game 5 125-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets. The Timberwolves committed 25 turnovers, but still lead the series 3-2 as it shifts back to Minneapolis Thursday night.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Timberwolves were in Denver Monday night for Game 5 of their NBA Playoffs series, looking to end the Nuggets' season and advance to the Western Conference Semifinals for the third straight season.
The Timberwolves were without Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo. The Nuggets were without Aaron Gordon, who has a calf injury.
Timberwolves lose Game 5 to Nuggets, 125-113
There will be a Game 6 in Minneapolis after the Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Denver Nuggets 125-113 in the NBA Playoffs Monday night.
The Timberwolves weren’t mentally ready to play from the opening tip, committing 14 of their 25 turnovers in the first half. The Nuggets scored 35 points off those 25 turnovers, and had 23 fast-break points.
The Timberwolves cut a 27-point second half deficit to 10 in the fourth quarter, but the Nuggets scored eight straight points to put the game away.
Julius Randle scored 27 points to lead the Timberwolves, but it was two Nuggets’ role players that made the difference. Spencer Jones and Cameron Johnson combined for 38 points on 15-of-24 shooting. Nikola Jokic had a triple-double of 27 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds. Jamal Murray added 24 points.
Game 6 is Thursday night in Minneapolis. Minnesota leads the best-of-seven series 3-2.
Timberwolves trail Nuggets 97-75 after 3
An ugly start for the Timberwolves hasn’t gotten much better, as they trail the Nuggets 97-75 in Game 5. Barring a historic comeback, there will be a Game 6 in Minneapolis.
The Nuggets out-scored the Timberwolves 37-24 in the third quarter and led by as many as 25. To add insult to injury, Nuggets’ guard Christian Braun got a technical foul for pointing at Jaden McDaniels after a transition dunk.
Spencer Jones and Cameron Johnson have combined for 36 points for the Nuggets, With a chance to close out the series, the Timberwolves have been completely careless with the basketball, committing 20 turnovers through three quarters.
Timberwolves trail Nuggets 60-51 at half
The Timberwolves trail the Nuggets 60-51 at half, largely due to being careless with the basketball. Minnesota committed 14 turnovers in the first half, including nine in the opening quarter.
They weathered two early fouls by Jaden McDaniels and have the game in single digits thanks to shooting 9-of-19 from three-point range. Julius Randle leads the Timberwolves with 14 points, and Bones Hyland has nine. Naz Reid has eight points.
Nikola Jokic has 13 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Cam Johnson has 11 points.
Timberwolves trail Nuggets 34-29 after 1
The Timberwolves are off to a slow start in Game 5 Monday night, trailing the Nuggets 34-29 after one.
The Timberwolves committed nine turnovers in the opening frame and trailed by as many as 10 points. They shot 11-of-19 from the field, including 7-of-12 from the perimeter. Jaden McDaniels sat most of the first quarter after two early fouls, and Chris Finch lost the Timberwolves’ challenge two minutes into the game on McDaniels’ second foul. They Timberwolves kept it close by shooting 7-of-12 from the perimeter.
Anthony Edwards injury update
What they're saying:
Timberwolves officials announced Monday Edwards had an MRI at Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, which revealed a left knee hyperextension injury and a bone bruise. Edwards is considered week-to-week, and there is no ligament damage.
Edwards will not play Monday night as the Timberwolves can eliminate the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of their Western Conference Playoff series. Neither will Donte DiVincenzo, who suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon tear. DiVincenzo is out for the remainder of the Timberwolves' season.