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The Denver Nuggets travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves for Game 3, with both squads looking to secure a 2-1 series lead.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re bringing you the best of the 2026 NBA Playoffs<\/a>, presented by Google, with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights from Thursday\u2019s action.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve got a triple-header on one of the best basketball days of the year!<\/p>\n What we know about Thursday\u2019s Game 3s:<\/p>\n Knicks-Hawks heads to Atlanta with the series tied 1-1 (7:00 p.m. ET, Prime<\/a>).\u00a0Dating back to the regular season, three of the five matchups between these teams have been decided by one possession. APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 9:52 ET<\/p>\n Hawks take 2-1 series lead<\/p>\n CJ McCollum\u2019s (23 pts, 5 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk) ice-cold jumper gives the Hawks a 109-108 win over the Knicks to give Atlanta a 2-1 lead in the series. Jalen Johnson dazzles with 24 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and one block in 38 minutes, while Jonathan Kuminga adds 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting off the bench.<\/p>\n CJ MCCOLLUM. CLUTCH SHOT.<\/p>\n ATL UP 1. 12.5 SECONDS LEFT. KNICKS BALL ON PRIME. pic.twitter.com\/79Pua3E6t8<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The Knicks had a chance at the end, but great defense from the Hawks seals the impressive victory. Jalen Brunson (26 pts, 4 ast, 2 stl), OG Anunoby (29 pts, 4 3PM, 9 reb, 3 blk) and Karl-Anthony Towns (21 pts, 17 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl, 3 blk) stuff the stat sheet in their second consecutive one-point defeat.<\/p>\n THE HAWKS HOLD ON.<\/p>\n ATLANTA TAKES A 2-1 SERIES LEAD OVER NEW YORK! pic.twitter.com\/6PFw4Tgcol<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n SCENES pic.twitter.com\/K3sY5cKPFQ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 9:45 ET<\/p>\n Knicks-Hawks is WILD<\/p>\n Jalen Brunson gets 3 the hard way, but CJ McCollum\u2019s clutch bucket puts Atlanta up 109-108 in the closing seconds.<\/p>\n JALEN BRUNSON PUTS THE KNICKS AHEAD.@nyknicks<\/a> 108@ATLHawks<\/a> 105<\/p>\n WHAT A PLAY FROM THE CAPTAIN. pic.twitter.com\/6yIs3I3G3t<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 9:43 ET<\/p>\n Hoop & harm for Harden<\/p>\n James Harden has a team-high 13 points to go along with 4 boards and 3 dimes in 24 minutes, but the Cavs trail Toronto 69-66 midway through the third quarter.<\/p>\n COUNT IT. @JHarden13<\/a> | #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/meG8ZZPsBs<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 9:39 ET<\/p>\n OG nails the clutch 3<\/p>\n A triple from Miles McBride ties the game at 105-all with 1:16 to go in the game.<\/p>\n OG ANUNOBY, HOW \u2049\ufe0f<\/p>\n 2-POINT GAME IN ATLANTA WITH UNDER 4 TO GO!<\/p>\n GET TO PRIME FOR THE GAME 3 FINISH. pic.twitter.com\/cwfPmo7l22<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Toughhhh bucket JJ pic.twitter.com\/qEMShaICJ8<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 9:32 ET<\/p>\n Knicks not done yet<\/p>\n New York has cut their deficit to just 5, 101-96, with 4:16 remaining in the contest on Prime Video<\/a>!<\/p>\n NEW YORK IS STORMING BACK.<\/p>\n Miles McBride (12 PTS, 4-8 3PM) cuts ATL’s lead to 4 \ud83d\udc4c pic.twitter.com\/fccBhuevwv<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Jonathan Kuminga is going off with a team-high 21 points off Atlanta\u2019s bench.<\/p>\n That was TOUGH, JK \ud83d\ude24<\/p>\n Hawks looking to take a 2-1 series lead on Prime! pic.twitter.com\/XsGjwQF6Kw<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 9:24 ET<\/p>\n The Nuggets are in Minnesota to take on the Wolves in Game 3 of their first round series on Amazon Prime, as the conference rivals each hope to snag a 2-1 lead. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood\/NBAE via Getty Images)<\/p>\n Denver Nuggets:<\/p>\n PG \u2013 Jamal Murray (30.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 7.0 apg) Minnesota Timberwolves:<\/p>\n PG \u2013 Donte DiVincenzo (14.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.5 spg) \u00a0<\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 9:11 ET<\/p>\n Hawks up 8 heading to 4Q<\/p>\n Atlanta takes an 88-80 advantage over New York to the final quarter. CJ McCollum (18 pts, 2 stl) is the high Hawk, while Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby tally 21 points apiece for the Knicks.<\/p>\n Tune in live on Prime Video<\/a> to catch the finish!<\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 9:08 ET<\/p>\n Cavs, Raps hustling hard<\/p>\n Scottie Barnes (15 pts, 5 ast) and RJ Barrett (13 pts, 3 3PM, 2 reb) are paving the way for Toronto, but Barnes and Brandon Ingram (5 pts, 2 stl) are dealing with foul trouble in the first half. Barnes has three, while Ingram just picked up his fourth.<\/p>\n CMB FINISHES THAT \ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udca8 pic.twitter.com\/MNqnMN4PpP<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Evan Mobley (9 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast), Donovan Mitchell (7 pts, 3 reb) and James Harden (7 pts, 2 ast) pace things for Cleveland, but they trail the Raptors 49-47 with 3:13 left before halftime.<\/p>\n Evan Mobley with POWER. <\/p>\n Close game in the 2Q of Game 3 of CLE\/TOR \ud83c\udf7f pic.twitter.com\/sBOnUtTqBY<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n THAT’S WHAT WE CALL HUSTLE. @jaylontyson<\/a> | #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/hB4rV3ufWW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 8:52 ET<\/p>\n KAT starting to cook<\/p>\n Karl-Anthony Towns is up to 17 points on 6-for-8 shooting with 10 rebounds, 2 dimes, one steal and one block.<\/p>\n TOWNS FROM LONG RANGE. pic.twitter.com\/4zlUAPuUzv<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The Knicks got to within 4 halfway through the third, but Atlanta has taken a 78-69 advantage with 4:40 remaining in the quarter. Jalen Brunson is now at a game-high 19 points in 26 minutes.<\/p>\n JALEN BRUNSON FOR 17.<\/p>\n KNICKS BACK WITHIN 4 IN THE 3Q \u203c\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/3vCkhinsZz<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Jalen Johnson (15 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (14 pts, 3 3PM) are starting to click for the Hawks.<\/p>\n Jalen with a pair of CRAFTY reverse layups, one with each hand pic.twitter.com\/fBdCSDi9N0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 3 threes in the 3rd for NAW \ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83c\udf73\ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83c\udf73\ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83c\udf73 pic.twitter.com\/sg7QrEPKvV<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 8:40 ET<\/p>\n Hawks gaining ground in 3Q<\/p>\n Atlanta pushes their lead to 69-58 with 7:40 remaining in the third. CJ McCollum continues to lead all scorers with 16 points in 22 minutes.<\/p>\n Dyson’s turn for a putback jam \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa pic.twitter.com\/MsMW2k3KlW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Mikal Bridges (1 reb, 1 ast) and Josh Hart (8 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl) are both scoreless for New York on a combined 0-for-7 shooting and a -34 plus-minus rating.<\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 8:34 ET<\/p>\n Raptors, Barrett in rhythm<\/p>\n RJ Barrett and the Raptors have been lights out in the first quarter, as they\u2019re shooting 76.9% (10-13 FG) overall and a perfect 5-for-5 from behind the arc. Toronto holds a 27-19 lead over Cleveland with 2:34 to go in the opening frame.<\/p>\n RJ BARRETT: 3-3 from deep to start the game \ud83c\udfaf<\/p>\n He leads all scorers with 11 on Prime! pic.twitter.com\/gae6Gi3j5j<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 8:27 ET<\/p>\n Ant good to go for G3<\/p>\n Anthony Edwards was listed as questionable with a lingering knee injury, but he\u2019s active and ready to go for Minnesota in a crucial Game 3 matchup against Denver.<\/p>\n AVAILABLE. \ud83d\udc1c pic.twitter.com\/oKwqcHsSHi<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 8:22 ET<\/p>\n Cavs-Raptors underway on Prime Video<\/a><\/p>\n Toronto holds an early 13-10 lead with 7:13 remaining in the first quarter.<\/p>\n SCOTTIE SAID NOT HERE \ud83d\ude24\u203c\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/VNlKxT6leZ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Scottie Barnes (6 pts, 1 ast, 1 blk) and Evan Mobley (1 pts, 1 reb, 1 ast), both top-four picks in the 2021 NBA Draft, continue their career-long battle in this series.<\/p>\n \ud83e\udea3 First bucket. @JHarden13<\/a> \u27a1\ufe0f @spidadmitchell<\/a> | #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/mq8ffe7XEC<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 8:16 ET<\/p>\n Knicks close 2Q strong<\/p>\n New York ends the first half on a 12-2 run to trim what was once an 18-point lead for Atlanta to just 8, 58-50, at halftime. Jalen Brunson tallies 13 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and one steal, while OG Anunoby adds 10 points (2 3PM), 2 rebounds one steal and one block, but he\u2019s been limited to 15 minutes due to foul trouble (3).<\/p>\n ended the 2Q on a 12-2 run pic.twitter.com\/dHGhTfHcm0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n CJ McCollum is giving the home crowd everything they want, dropping a game-high 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting with two made 3s. Jalen Johnson (11 pts, 7 reb) and Jonathan Kuminga (11 pts, 3 reb) are the other two Hawks in double figures.<\/p>\n PUTTING ON A SHOW IN ATL.<\/p>\n CJ McCollum in the 1H: 16 PTS, 6-10 FGM<\/p>\n Hawks lead by 8 at the break \ud83d\udc4f pic.twitter.com\/eIeBybBPR8<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 8:02 ET<\/p>\n Hawks soaring in first half<\/p>\n Atlanta is shooting better than 54% from the field and 50% from 3-point range, helping the home squad grab a 50-36 advantage over New York with 4:11 to go in the first half.<\/p>\n BIG O Steal & Slam \ud83d\udee0\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/iDFQkF7pW9<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Onyeka Okongwu (4 pts, 1 stl, 2 blk) has the Atlanta crowd on their feet.<\/p>\n ONYEKA OKONGWU \ud83e\udd2f<\/p>\n MY GOODNESS. pic.twitter.com\/D2iRrLTvPe<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n BIG O-M-G pic.twitter.com\/pa8C64K4Sw<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 7:44 ET<\/p>\n Raining 3s in the ATL<\/p>\n Jonathan Kuminga catches fire with 10 points on 4-for-4 shooting and two made 3s off Atlanta\u2019s bench, sparking a 33-21 edge for the Hawks after one quarter. Atlanta is shooting 6-for-8 (75%) from downtown, while New York is just 2-for-12 (16.7%) through 12 minutes.<\/p>\n HOT START FOR JONATHAN KUMINGA \ud83c\udfaf<\/p>\n 10 PTS Atlanta leads New York after the 1Q on Prime! pic.twitter.com\/k6h5yyCr6a<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Jalen Brunson (11 pts) and OG Anunoby (10 pts, 1 stl, 1 blk) are the engines so far for the Knicks.<\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 7:28 ET<\/p>\n Hawks feeling it in 1Q<\/p>\n Atlanta puts together a 9-2 run, forcing a timeout from New York. The Hawks lead 13-9 with 5:36 remaining in the opening quarter.<\/p>\n Dyson touches the paint and finds Jalen for 3 \ud83c\udfaf pic.twitter.com\/nyGl9W5LOL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n OG Anunoby (7 pts, 1 stl, 1 blk) and Jalen Johnson (5 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl) are bringing the energy.<\/p>\n HART & HUSTLE \ud83d\udcaa<\/p>\n Josh Hart doing Josh Hart things! pic.twitter.com\/tEwCEgOrzk<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 23, 2026 \/ 7:19 ET<\/p>\n Knicks-Hawks live on Prime!<\/p>\n New York is off to a 7-4 lead over Atlanta thanks to a quick 5 points from OG Anunoby, while CJ McCollum\u2019s 3 points pace the Hawks.<\/p>\n Brunson SPIN & SCORE. Knicks (1-1) Hawks Game 3 is LIVE on Prime \ud83c\udf7f pic.twitter.com\/HH8TTwBo2m<\/a><\/p>\n
\nCavs look to take commanding 3-0 lead, while the Raptors look to bounce back at home (8:00 p.m. ET, Prime<\/a>). After back-to-back double\u2013digit victories, the Cavaliers look to become the first team to take a 3-0 lead this postseason. Toronto will be playing their first home playoff game since 2022.\u00a0
\nPivotal game 3 heads to Minnesota as Nikola Joki\u0107 and the Nuggets take on Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves (9:30 p.m. ET, Prime<\/a>). Since the start of the 2022\u201323 season, no matchup has been more frequent than Nuggets vs. Timberwolves: 30 meetings across the regular season and playoffs, split evenly at 15\u201315.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mcdaniels-jokic-784x441.jpg\")
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\nSG \u2013 Christian Braun (14.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.0 spg)
\nSF \u2013 Cam Johnson (12.5 ppg, 1.5 apg)
\nPF \u2013 Spencer Jones (2.5 ppg in 9.6 mpg)
\nC \u2013 Nikola Joki\u0107 (24.5 ppg, 14.0 rpg, 9.5 apg)<\/p>\n
\nSG \u2013 Anthony Edwards (26.0 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 4.5 apg, 2.5 bpg)
\nSF \u2013 Jaden McDaniels (15.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.0 apg)
\nPF \u2013 Julius Randle (20.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 4.0 apg)
\nC \u2013 Rudy Gobert (9.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 spg)<\/p>\n
4-4 FGM<\/p>\n
McCollum SIDESTEP TRIPLE.<\/p>\n
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