Timberwolves Hit by Dual Injuries in Game 4, Casting Uncertainty Over Series

The Minnesota Timberwolves entered the Western Conference first-round matchup as the No. 6 seed against the No. 3-seed Denver Nuggets. After three games, the series was tied 2-2. In Game 4, Minnesota surged to a 112-96 victory, seizing a 3-1 lead and the chance to close the series at home.

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Midway through the second quarter, star guard Anthony Edwards hyperextended his left knee while contesting a layup. Medical imaging confirmed a bone bruise but no ligament damage, prompting a prognosis of “multiple weeks” and likely absence for the remainder of the series. Earlier, guard Donte DiVincenzo suffered a non-contact injury 79 seconds into the game; subsequent evaluation diagnosed a torn right Achilles tendon, ending his season. Their departures forced reserve guard Ayo Dosunmu to start, and he delivered a career-high 43 points.

Timberwolves lose Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo to leg injuries in Game 4

• Edwards: 28.8 points per game in the regular season (3rd in the NBA); 23 points and eight rebounds in the series to date.

Reuters

• DiVincenzo: 12.0 points per game regular season; 14.3 points per game in the first three playoff contests.

Reuters

• Timberwolves: 100.13 pace (fastest among playoff teams); outscored the Nuggets 62-42 in the second half of Game 4.

Reuters

• Series: Minnesota leads 3-1 after a 112-96 win.

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Coach Chris Finch described the situation as “devastating” for DiVincenzo and emphasized the emotional toll of losing both starters. Forward Julius Randle said he checked on Edwards at halftime, noting, “I saw Ant (at halftime) and kind of dapped him up.” Team medical staff confirmed the absence of ligament injury in Edwards’ knee but highlighted the need for a cautious recovery timeline.

Timberwolves lose Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo to leg injuries in Game 4

Analysts noted that the injuries expose a thin backcourt, prompting speculation that Minnesota may need an external scoring option. One commentary suggested the Timberwolves could benefit from a player like Michael Porter Jr., who could serve as a go-to scorer in the wake of Edwards’ and DiVincenzo’s absences.

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Sources differ on Edwards’ projected availability: ESPN reported he will miss “multiple weeks” and likely the rest of the series, while other outlets simply noted the injury’s severity without a definitive timeline. Additionally, series-average points for Edwards vary between 23 points (Reuters) and his regular-season average of 28.8 points (USA Today). DiVincenzo’s recovery window remains unspecified beyond the confirmed season-ending Achilles tear.

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• “I feel completely devastated for Donte,” Chris Finch said. — Chris Finch, Timberwolves Head Coach

Timberwolves lose Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo to leg injuries in Game 4

• “Losing those two guys is really tough, tough emotionally for our guys,” Finch added. — Chris Finch, Timberwolves Head Coach

Timberwolves lose Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo to leg injuries in Game 4

• “I was heartbroken,” Ayo Dosunmu said in the televised post-game interview. — Ayo Dosunmu, Timberwolves Guard

Timberwolves lose Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo to leg injuries in Game 4

• “I just dapped him up,” Julius Randle said. — Julius Randle, Timberwolves Forward

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Game 5 shifts to Denver on Monday night. With Edwards and DiVincenzo sidelined, Minnesota must rely on its bench production and any tactical adjustments to preserve its 3-1 series advantage and advance to a potential second-round showdown with the winner of the Spurs-Trail Blazers series.

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