Timberwolves beat Nuggets to take 3-1 lead but injuries overshadow dominant playoff victory night
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Apr 27, 2026, 05:21 IST
Timberwolves beat Nuggets to take 3-1 lead but injuries overshadow dominant playoff victory night
The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a commanding 3-1 series lead with a 112-96 win over the Denver Nuggets, but the victory was overshadowed by major injuries. Just minutes into the game, Donte DiVincenzo suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, and later in the first half, Anthony Edwards exited after an awkward knee landing, leaving Minnesota without two key starters.
Despite the setbacks, Ayo Dosunmu delivered a stunning performance, scoring 43 points and leading the Timberwolves through a dominant second half. Minnesota controlled the game comfortably, though the mood remained heavy given the injuries. Coach Chris Finch expressed frustration and concern, especially for DiVincenzo.
While the Timberwolves now have a chance to close the series in Game 5, the focus shifts to Edwards’ injury status, which could significantly impact their playoff run.
Despite the setbacks, Ayo Dosunmu delivered a stunning performance, scoring 43 points and leading the Timberwolves through a dominant second half. Minnesota controlled the game comfortably, though the mood remained heavy given the injuries. Coach Chris Finch expressed frustration and concern, especially for DiVincenzo.
While the Timberwolves now have a chance to close the series in Game 5, the focus shifts to Edwards’ injury status, which could significantly impact their playoff run.
The Timberwolves took a 3-1 series lead over Denver on Sunday night, winning 112-96, though the result was almost secondary by the end of it.
Just over a minute in, Donte DiVincenzo went down and didn't come back due to an Achilles injury that caused his Season to end. Then, late in the first half, Anthony Edwards landed awkwardly on his knee and that was it for him too. Two starting guards, gone during the same game.
What happened next was Ayo Dosunmu. He finished with 43 points and basically willed Minnesota through the second half. The Wolves never really looked threatened, which made it all feel a bit surreal given what they'd just lost.
"I was heartbroken. This is for them. Ant, Donte, they mean so much to the organization. I’m sending them prayers. I hope for a speedy recovery. I hope they’re fine, but this game, personally, was for them." Dosunmu said afterward.
Coach Chris Finch didn't try to spin it. "I feel completely devastated for Donte," he said.
Edwards had been averaging 23 points and eight rebounds in the series. DiVincenzo had been shooting it well from three. Losing both of them in one night is a brutal blow regardless of what the scoreboard says.
Minnesota can close it out in Game 5, but the bigger question now is Edwards and how bad is the knee, and will he be available? DiVincenzo, they already know, is done for the playoffs.
They got the win. It didn't exactly feel like one.
Just over a minute in, Donte DiVincenzo went down and didn't come back due to an Achilles injury that caused his Season to end. Then, late in the first half, Anthony Edwards landed awkwardly on his knee and that was it for him too. Two starting guards, gone during the same game.
What happened next was Ayo Dosunmu. He finished with 43 points and basically willed Minnesota through the second half. The Wolves never really looked threatened, which made it all feel a bit surreal given what they'd just lost.
"I was heartbroken. This is for them. Ant, Donte, they mean so much to the organization. I’m sending them prayers. I hope for a speedy recovery. I hope they’re fine, but this game, personally, was for them." Dosunmu said afterward.
Coach Chris Finch didn't try to spin it. "I feel completely devastated for Donte," he said.
Edwards had been averaging 23 points and eight rebounds in the series. DiVincenzo had been shooting it well from three. Losing both of them in one night is a brutal blow regardless of what the scoreboard says.
Minnesota can close it out in Game 5, but the bigger question now is Edwards and how bad is the knee, and will he be available? DiVincenzo, they already know, is done for the playoffs.
They got the win. It didn't exactly feel like one.