The Minnesota Timberwolves moved within one win of advancing after a 112-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 on Saturday night at Target Center.
Ayo Dosunmu delivered a career-high 43 points off the bench, producing the highest-scoring playoff game by a reserve in 50 years while stepping into an expanded role due to injuries to Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo.
Dosunmu shot 13-for-17 from the field, went a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range, and converted all 12 free-throw attempts in 42 minutes.
The performance marked the most points by a bench player in a playoff game since Fred Brown scored 45 in 1976.
Minnesota seized control with defense in the second half, forcing nine Denver turnovers after halftime and converting them into fast-break points.
The Nuggets briefly led by seven in the third quarter, but consecutive transition scores from Dosunmu and Bones Hyland shifted momentum.
Julius Randle added a key steal and fast-break dunk late in the third to give the Timberwolves a four-point edge entering the final period.
A 9-0 run early in the fourth quarter extended the lead to double digits, highlighted by another Dosunmu steal and layup, followed by a three-pointer from Mike Conley.
Minnesota shot 44% from the field and 96% from the free-throw line, while holding Denver to 38% shooting and just 6-for-28 from beyond the arc.
Jamal Murray led Denver with 30 points, while Nikola Jokic recorded 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists.
However, both struggled in the second half, combining to shoot 6-for-24 after halftime as Minnesota’s defensive pressure intensified.
The game ended with tensions rising, as Jokic and Randle were ejected following a late confrontation after a layup in the closing seconds.
Minnesota has now won three straight games in the series and can close it out in Game 5 on Monday in Denver.
