NBA Recap: Timberwolves Stun Nuggets, Suns' Playoff Hopes Fade


The Minnesota Timberwolves' dramatic 140-139 win over the Denver Nuggets has intensified the Western Conference playoff race, while the Phoenix Suns' fourth consecutive loss has jeopardized their postseason hopes.



Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a thrilling 134-125 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, scoring 52 points and showcasing his incredible three-point shooting skills. He made 12 of his 20 attempts from beyond the arc, leaving fans and defenders alike in awe.




Curry's performance was complemented by Draymond Green's triple-double, which helped seal the crucial victory for the Warriors. This win is a significant boost to Golden State's playoff hopes, and Curry's dominance on the court is a major reason why.




Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic made history with a 61-point triple-double, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to secure a win for the Denver Nuggets. They fell 140-139 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in double overtime, despite Jokic's incredible effort.


Stephen Curry's spectacular shooting performance propelled the Warriors past the Grizzlies, elevating them to fifth place in the Western Conference standings and inching them closer to securing an automatic playoff berth. The Warriors now boast a 44-31 record, while the Grizzlies dropped to sixth place with a 44-32 record. Notably, the top six teams in the West will automatically qualify for the postseason.




Curry's outstanding display, which included 52 points, marked his second 50-point game this season and the 15th of his illustrious career. He received valuable support from Draymond Green, who recorded a triple-double, and Jimmy Butler, who contributed 27 points. Green's impressive stat line consisted of 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists.




Warriors coach Steve Kerr was effusive in his praise for Curry's phenomenal performance, which has firmly positioned Golden State for a playoff spot. “The guy's 37 years old, it's incredible,” Kerr exclaimed. “Fifty-two points with people draped all over him all game long. The conditioning, the skill, the audacity, the belief, it's incredible to watch Steph at work.”


Grizzlies interim coach Tuomas Iisalo, who recently took the reins following Taylor Jenkins' unexpected dismissal, was equally impressed by Curry's performance. Iisalo acknowledged the challenges of containing Curry, who continues to defy expectations with his remarkable skill and endurance.


Curry's Dominance Leaves Grizzlies in Awe

Memphis Grizzlies interim coach Tuomas Iisalo was left marveling at Stephen Curry's incredible performance, describing it as “a sight to behold.” Iisalo revealed that his team had been powerless to stop Curry's first-quarter onslaught, which included 19 points. “It's a sight to behold how he operates,” Iisalo said. “In the first quarter we had a specific strategy that we do not want him to get three-point shots - and he found a way to get going anyway. It's very hard to stop a player of that caliber. Once he gets into that zone, it's very difficult to get him. I mean, we're talking about the best movement shooter of all time.”


The Grizzlies, who trailed by as many as 17 points in the first quarter, staged a second-half rally that saw them take a four-point lead with just under four minutes remaining. However, they were ultimately unable to sustain the momentum, and the Warriors emerged victorious. Ja Morant led the Grizzlies' scoring with 36 points, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 22. Despite the disappointing loss, Iisalo acknowledged his team's effort, saying, “Everybody's hurting in that locker room right now. It really hurts when you put everything on the line and you come up a little short. But that's life, that's sports.”




Timberwolves Stun Nuggets in Epic Overtime Thriller


The Golden State Warriors' win over the Memphis Grizzlies was eclipsed by a thrilling matchup in Denver, where the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a stunning 140-139 victory over the Nuggets. Nikola Jokic delivered an incredible performance, notching his 31st triple-double of the season with 61 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, his efforts ultimately fell short in the dramatic finale.




In a heart-stopping conclusion, the Timberwolves snatched victory in the final seconds of the second overtime period. Jokic's two free throws put Denver ahead 139-138 with 18 seconds remaining, but Russell Westbrook's missed layup and subsequent foul on Nickeil Alexander-Walker proved costly. Alexander-Walker grabbed the rebound and was fouled by Westbrook while attempting a three-pointer, earning him three free throws. He made the first two, securing a monumental win for Minnesota.


Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves' scoring with 34 points, while Alexander-Walker and Julius Randle contributed 26 points each. The Nuggets' heartbreaking loss overshadowed Jokic's remarkable individual achievement, leaving Denver to ponder what might have been.


Western Conference Playoff Race Heats Up

The Minnesota Timberwolves' thrilling win over the Denver Nuggets has intensified the battle for Western Conference playoff spots, with only a few games remaining in the regular season, which concludes on April 13. The Timberwolves currently occupy seventh place in the West with a 44-32 record, narrowly trailing the sixth-placed Memphis Grizzlies, who also boast a 44-32 record.




Giannis Antetokounmpo Led The Milwaukee Bucks

In other action, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 133-123 victory over the Phoenix Suns, snapping a four-game losing streak. Antetokounmpo scored 37 points, outpacing Devin Booker's 39 points for Phoenix. The Suns' fourth consecutive defeat has jeopardized their playoff aspirations, with the team now sitting in 11th place in the West with a 35-41 record, behind the 10th-placed Sacramento Kings (36-39).


The top six teams in each conference earn automatic playoff berths, while teams ranked 7th to 10th participate in a four-team play-in tournament to determine the final two playoff spots. The Indiana Pacers became the latest team to secure their playoff place after the Atlanta Hawks suffered a 127-113 home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. This result ensured the Pacers, currently fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 44-31 record, will finish in the top six.



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