The Nuggets are in the driver’s seat after winning Game 3 of the first round series against the Timberwolves (120-111). Denver needs one more win to book a spot in the second round.

Michael Porter Jr., who led the winners in scoring with 25 points, rejects the notion that his team did not need to win this game because they were up 2-0 in the series.

“Nah, I definitely think we needed to win this,” the 24-year-old small forward said. “If we lost, it would have been 2-1, and then they would have had another game at home to try and tie it up.

“So we knew, I mean, we had a sense of urgency in this game. But really we have a sense of urgency this whole playoffs. I think you gotta win 16 games to win a championship and we’re just taking it one game at a time. Each game is its own game and keep that same energy.”