Western Conference Recaps, April 21: Denver Nuggets Took 3-0 Lead On Timberwolves Behind Nikola Jokic's Triple-Double

Nikola Jokic recorded 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists in the Denver Nuggets’ victory

The Denver Nuggets look as if they are on their way to sweeping the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Six Nuggets players scored in double-figures in the Nuggets' 120-111 victory against the Timberwolves. The victory gave the Nuggets a commanding 3-0 series lead. Michael Porter led the way with 25 points.

“We didn’t want to give them life," said Jokic, who had his seventh career playoff triple-double. “We wanted to be the aggressor. We wanted to punch them first. Jokic recorded 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists, which is also his first triple-double in the series. 

Jamal Murray scored 18 points and only connected on one of his six 3-pointers. “Proud of the group," Nuggets coach Mike Malone said. "They handled their business like they’re supposed to, like mature teams do.” 

Anthony Edwards followed up his 41-point performance in Game 2 with 36 points to lead the Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns had 27 points and Rudy Gobert had 18 points and 10 rebounds.

 But it wasn’t enough, especially with the Timberwolves’ rushed plays near the end of the game. Mike Conley, who finished with 12 points, rushed a pull-up 3-pointer over Murray that bounced off the back of the rim. Nickeil Alexander-Walker hit a 3-pointer near the end of the game but it was too late. 

“Our decision-making on offense just kind of let us down,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said.

 Game 4 is on Sunday in Minnesota 

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.