Key Takeaways:
- Ayo Dosunmu set a career-high with 43 points as Minnesota defeated Denver 112-96
- Dosunmu’s 43 points marked the highest-scoring playoff display by a reserve in five decades
- The Timberwolves moved ahead 3-1 in the series and have the chance to clinch in Game 5 on Monday night in Denver
Game Recap: Minnesota Secures Crucial Third Straight Win
Ayo Dosunmu produced a captivating performance on Saturday night, scoring a career-best 43 points to propel the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 112-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets. With Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo sidelined by leg injuries, Dosunmu stepped up to deliver the most prolific playoff outing by a bench player in fifty years. Minnesota now leads the series 3-1.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch remarked, “Ayo was just out of this world, man. Just play after play after play.” Dosunmu’s remarkable efficiency was on display as he converted 13 of 17 field goals, including a flawless 5 for 5 from beyond the arc, and made all 12 free throws across a season-high 42 minutes.
one more. pic.twitter.com/QXWzubvA4O
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 26, 2026
Historic Benchmark and Player Contributions
Dosunmu’s feat represented the highest total by a reserve in a playoff fixture since Fred Brown tallied 45 points off the bench for Seattle in a 116-111 defeat to Phoenix on April 15, 1976. Speaking on the occasion, Dosunmu stated, “I know it sounds cliche, but I can’t and won’t take this moment for granted, because I understand how long and how hard it is to get here.”
The fixture concluded in dramatic fashion with the ejections of Denver’s Nikola Jokic and Minnesota’s Julius Randle, after tensions flared in the final seconds when Jaden McDaniels’ layup provoked a confrontation.
Nuggets’ Struggles and Timberwolves’ Defensive Prowess
Denver’s top scorer was Jamal Murray with 30 points, while Jokic added 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. Despite their efforts, the Nuggets struggled from distance, making only 6 of 27 three-point attempts. Minnesota’s relentless defence forced nine second-half turnovers, fuelling the comeback.
Jokic and Murray combined to shoot 6 of 24 in the second half as the Timberwolves seized momentum. Bones Hyland and Dosunmu capitalised with breakaway baskets, while Julius Randle’s steal and dunk gave Minnesota a four-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
Turning Point and Series Outlook
In the fourth quarter, Dosunmu continued his dominance with a key steal and layup. Minnesota pieced together a 9-0 spurt, with veteran Mike Conley’s three-pointer pushing the advantage to 95-82. Conley, aged 38, seamlessly contributed 20 minutes in relief of the unavailable DiVincenzo and Edwards.
The series now shifts to Denver for Game 5 on Monday night, where Minnesota will aim to close out the contest and secure progression. Nuggets coach David Adelman commented, “I expect us to have a great effort in Game 5. I really trust our two best players will find a rhythm, and they have to find that at home.”
Reflecting on the second half, Jokic said, “We had the opportunity to score easier, get open looks, and we didn’t. And in the fourth quarter the momentum is on their side. They were making shots, they were playing with some energy and we didn’t have that.”
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayo Dosunmu | 43 | 4 | 1 |
| Jamal Murray | 30 | 5 | 5 |
| Nikola Jokic | 24 | 15 | 9 |
| Naz Reid | 17 | 9 | 2 |
