Timberwolves secure 2-1 NBA playoff series lead against Nuggets

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Toronto Raptors defeat Cleveland Cavaliers, snapping playoff losing streak against Cavs.

The Toronto Raptors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-96 in Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series on Thursday night, snapping a 12-game playoff losing streak against the team. Jaden McDaniels led the Raptors with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Ayo Dosunmu added 25 points and nine assists off the bench.

The Minnesota Timberwolves also secured a dominant 113-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their series, taking a 2-1 lead. Rudy Gobert had an impressive performance, stifling Nikola Jokic on an 7-for-26 shooting night. The Timberwolves established a postseason franchise record by allowing the Nuggets just 11 points in the first quarter.

In another matchup, the Atlanta Hawks edged out the New York Knicks 109-108 in Game 3 of their series, taking a 2-1 lead. CJ McCollum hit a fadeaway jumper with 12.5 seconds left to seal the win for the Hawks. Scottie Barnes set career playoff highs with 33 points and 11 assists as the Toronto Raptors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Raptors’ victory snapped a 12-game playoff losing streak against the Cavaliers, while the Timberwolves secured their first postseason franchise record in Game 3. The series now stands at 2-1 for both teams.

Source: Al Jazeera