This was bound to happen. After winning the first two games, the Minnesota Timberwolves had dreams of sweeping the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs. It was a crazy thought, but it certainly seemed possible with the way they've playing. Upon returning to their home floor, though, Minnesota quickly realized that this series isn't going to be as easy as fans hoped it would be.

With their backs against the wall, the defending champions came in with guns blazing. The Nuggets punched the Timberwolves in the mouth (proverbially, of course) in a way that no team has done before. Denver cracked Minnesota's top-ranked defense, and the home team did not respond in kind. The result is a near-30 point.

As the game was winding down, Anthony Edwards tried to get his teammates' hopes up. The Timberwolves star reiterated to his team that the fight isn't over yet and that they still are in the driver seat. (video via ClutchPoints)

Edwards also took accountability after a poor performance by his standards, per ESPN. The Timberwolves star vowed to be better and to be ready for Game 4 on Sunday.

“I’ll take the blame for this loss. I came out with no energy at all. I can’t afford to do that for my team. I let my team down, coaches down, fans down,” Edwards said. “I’ll be ready Sunday.”

Edwards finished with 19 points on solid shooting from deep along with six rebounds and assists. Solid numbers, for sure. However, in the playoffs, you definitely want more from your top star. It certainly didn't help that Edwards' 19 was the most from any Timberwolves player.

Silenced ‘Wolves

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) jumps up and attempts to pass the ball over Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (50) in the first half during game three of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Game 3 was a complete flip of the script from Game 2. In Game 2, the Timberwolves' mighty defense held the Nuggets to just 80 points. 80! That's a rarity in today's NBA. Denver's attack looked lifeless, and Edwards racked up bucket after bucket to bury the defending champions.

This Friday, the Nuggets showed exactly why they're the defending champions. A renewed vigor on defense, as well as resurgent performances from Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, gave Denver the boost they needed. The Timberwolves were caught flat-footed from the opening tip, and they never fully recovered from that. A devastating third-quarter run from Denver killed Minnesota's hopes for a comeback.

Poor three-point shooting is what did the Timberwolves in during the loss. Holding the Nuggets to less than 90 points was not sustainable, let alone 80. Sooner or later, Denver was going to wake up. The ‘Wolves had to be ready for a dogfight when this would eventually come. Unfortunately, they weren't able to go toe-to-toe when it mattered the most.

Edwards and co. will need to find their mojo back for Game 4. They've done all that work to steal not just one, but two games on the road. It would be such a shame if the Timberwolves went through all that trouble on the road only to squander that precious lead in front of their fans. A win in Game 4 will guarantee that they will at least play one of their close-out games at home. Can they do that?