Timberwolves Defeat Nuggets 112-96, Take 3-1 Series Lead with Jokic and Randle Ejected

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 112-96 on April 25, 2026, in Minneapolis, taking a 3-1 lead in their playoff series. Ayo Dosunmu scored a career-high 43 points as a reserve, marking the highest-scoring playoff performance by a substitute in 50 years.

The game concluded with the ejections of Denver's Nikola Jokic and Minnesota's Julius Randle after Jokic confronted Jaden McDaniels over a layup with 2.1 seconds remaining. Dosunmu's performance surpassed Fred Brown's 45 points off the bench for Seattle in a game against Phoenix on April 15, 1976.

He made 13 of 17 field goals, 5 of 5 three-pointers, and all 12 free throws. Minnesota acquired Dosunmu from Chicago in February.

contributed 17 points and nine rebounds for the Timberwolves, while Julius Randle added 15 points and nine rebounds. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 30 points, and Nikola Jokic recorded 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. The Nuggets shot 6 for 27 from three-point range, a 22% success rate.

Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo were sidelined due to leg injuries for Minnesota. Mike Conley, aged 38, played 20 minutes in their absence and made a three-pointer during a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter.

The Nuggets held a seven-point lead in the third quarter before the Timberwolves mounted a comeback using defense. Bones Hyland and Ayo Dosunmu scored breakaway layups on consecutive possessions after forced turnovers. Randle added a steal and fast-break dunk, giving Minnesota a four-point lead entering the fourth quarter.

Early in the fourth, Dosunmu's steal and layup contributed to a 9-0 run, extending the lead to 95-82. The Timberwolves have won the last three games in the series. Game 5 is scheduled for April 27, 2026, in Denver, where Minnesota could close out the series.