The defending champions Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone showered praise on team man Aaron Gordon after their 115-107 win against Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth game of the Western Conference semifinals as they made it 2-2 in the series.
Aaron Gordon played a key role in his team’s road win as he had 27 points on 11-for-12 shooting. Furthermore, MVP Nikola Jokic scored 35 points, out of which 16 came in the final frame of the game.
“It’s just like a laser-sharp focus,” Gordon said, “and a surgical execution.”
Jamal Murray also added 19 points, out of which he scored 12 in the third quarter. Murray admitted that the second game loss was a wake-up call for them.
“Game 2 definitely woke us up,” Murray said. “We realized we can’t hold ourselves back.”
Malone said it is always the team first for Aaron Gordon as he came up with a fine performance.
“The shot-making, the play-making, the physicality, the defense on two All-Stars, so much is being asked of him right now,” coach Mike Malone said. “What you love about Aaron Gordon since Day 1, when he put on that Nuggets uniform, It’s always been about the Nuggets first. He is truly selfless.”
Meanwhile, Gordon, Justin Holiday (10 points), Christian Braun (11 points) and Reggie Jackson (six points) went a combined 8 for 11 from 3-point range.
“They are doing all the dirty, small things that nobody notices,” Jokic said.
On the other hand, Anthony Edwards scored 44 points for the Timberwolves but his spectacular effort went in vain.
“This is a series. We won two games, but we didn’t think it was going to be easy,” Edwards said.
Furthermore, Karl-Anthony Towns went just 5 for 18 from the field for 13 points and 12 rebounds as he struggled with his shooting.
“It’s unfortunate that on Mother’s Day I have a shooting performance like that,” Towns said. “But it’s the way the game goes. It’s not a fun game sometimes.”
The fifth game of the series will be played on Tuesday.
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