NBA Playoffs: Timberwolves, Hawks and Raptors secure crucial 2-1 series leads

The Minnesota Timberwolves have established a 2-1 series lead over the Denver Nuggets following a commanding 113-96 victory in Game 3. The victory was defined by a defensive strategy that saw the Timberwolves set a new postseason franchise record by holding the Nuggets to just 11 points in the first quarter. Centre Rudy Gobert was instrumental in this restriction, limiting the three-time MVP Nikola Jokic to a poor 7-for-26 shooting night despite Jokic managing 27 points and 15 rebounds.

The Timberwolves' forward Jaden McDaniels contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds, while off-the-bench scoring from Ayo Dosunmu and Donte DiVincenzo provided crucial support. The Nuggets struggled to find their offensive rhythm, with Jamal Murray adding 16 points on inefficient shooting. The absence of Aaron Gordon, who missed the game due to a calf injury, further hampered Denver's ability to generate energy from their starting power forward position.

In the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks 109-108 in overtime to take a 2-1 series lead. The contest featured a dramatic finish where CJ McCollum secured the win with a fadeaway jumper from 15 feet with 12.5 seconds remaining. McCollum, who had previously starred in a Game 2 upset at Madison Square Garden, finished the night with 23 points. The Hawks maintained a lead for most of the game, though New York mounted a late rally that ultimately failed to convert into a victory.

New York's Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 26 points, supported by 29 points from OG Anunoby and 21 from Karl-Anthony Towns. However, Atlanta's depth proved decisive, with Jonathan Kuminga providing 21 points off the bench. The game concluded after the Knicks failed to get off a shot at the end of the fourth quarter, allowing the Hawks to seal the series advantage.

Elsewhere in the East, the Toronto Raptors ended a 12-game playoff losing streak against the Cleveland Cavaliers to take a 2-1 series lead. The victory was highlighted by rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, who scored 22 points to become the first Raptors rookie to score 20 or more points in a playoff game. Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett both posted career playoff highs with 33 points each, while Jamison Battle contributed 14 points in the final quarter.

The Cleveland Cavaliers had previously matched an NBA postseason record for consecutive victories against a single opponent by winning Game 2, but they could not extend that run in Toronto. James Harden scored 18 points for the Cavaliers, while Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Max Strus all recorded 15 points. The Raptors will host Game 4 on Sunday afternoon, aiming to close out the series.