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Deadspin | Corbin Carroll grand slam extends D-Backs’ win streak, Blue Jays’ skid  Apr 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) steals secondbase under the tag by Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andrés Giménez (0) in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images   Corbin Carroll broke a tie with an opposite-field grand slam in the eighth inning and the Arizona Diamondbacks extended their winning streak to four games with a 6-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Phoenix on Saturday.  Ildemaro Vargas singled off Jeff Hoffman (1-2) to open the eighth, extending his season-opening hitting streak to a franchise-record 14 games.   Alek Thomas singled and Ketel Marte walked to bring up Carroll, who hit his fourth career grand slam on a 3-1 fastball.  The D-backs, who have won eight of 10, lead the majors with 10 comeback victories.     Geraldo Perdomo had three singles and an RBI and Thomas had two hits for the Diamondbacks, who had eight hits.  Nathan Lukes had three hits, Kazuma Okamoto had two hits and an RBI, and Ernie Clement and Eloy Jimenez had two hits apiece for the Blue Jays, who have lost six of seven and 12 of 15.  Juan Morillo (1-1) struck out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a 100 mph fastball with a runner on first to end the seventh and keep the game tied at 2. He allowed one hit and struck out two over 1 1/3 innings of relief.   Toronto starter Max Scherzer gave up two runs on five hits in six innings, with one strikeout and one walk.   Arizona starter Zac Gallen permitted two runs and nine hits, leaving after Okamato’s single tied the game at 2 with two outs in the sixth. He struck out three with no walks.   Lukes, Guerrero and Jesus Sanchez singled in the top of the first, with Sanchez’s one-out single driving in Lukes for a 1-0 lead. Guerrero has a nine-game hitting streak.  The D-Backs tied it in their half of the first when Carroll walked, stole second and scored on Perdomo’s single. Thomas grounded a two-out double inside the bag at first to drive in Jose Fernandez, who had singled, to give Arizona a 2-1 lead in the fifth.  Toronto tied it in the sixth after an apparent double play was changed after a review. Jimenez singled with one out, and Gallen appeared to get out of the inning when Andres Gimenez grounded to Fernandez to start what originally was called an inning-ending double play.  Perdomo was ruled to have missed the bag on the play, leaving Jimenez at second, and he scored on Okamoto’s single to tie the game.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Corbin #Carroll #grand #slam #extends #DBacks #win #streak #Blue #Jays #skid

Deadspin | Corbin Carroll grand slam extends D-Backs’ win streak, Blue Jays’ skid
Deadspin | Corbin Carroll grand slam extends D-Backs’ win streak, Blue Jays’ skid  Apr 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) steals secondbase under the tag by Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andrés Giménez (0) in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images   Corbin Carroll broke a tie with an opposite-field grand slam in the eighth inning and the Arizona Diamondbacks extended their winning streak to four games with a 6-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Phoenix on Saturday.  Ildemaro Vargas singled off Jeff Hoffman (1-2) to open the eighth, extending his season-opening hitting streak to a franchise-record 14 games.   Alek Thomas singled and Ketel Marte walked to bring up Carroll, who hit his fourth career grand slam on a 3-1 fastball.  The D-backs, who have won eight of 10, lead the majors with 10 comeback victories.     Geraldo Perdomo had three singles and an RBI and Thomas had two hits for the Diamondbacks, who had eight hits.  Nathan Lukes had three hits, Kazuma Okamoto had two hits and an RBI, and Ernie Clement and Eloy Jimenez had two hits apiece for the Blue Jays, who have lost six of seven and 12 of 15.  Juan Morillo (1-1) struck out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a 100 mph fastball with a runner on first to end the seventh and keep the game tied at 2. He allowed one hit and struck out two over 1 1/3 innings of relief.   Toronto starter Max Scherzer gave up two runs on five hits in six innings, with one strikeout and one walk.   Arizona starter Zac Gallen permitted two runs and nine hits, leaving after Okamato’s single tied the game at 2 with two outs in the sixth. He struck out three with no walks.   Lukes, Guerrero and Jesus Sanchez singled in the top of the first, with Sanchez’s one-out single driving in Lukes for a 1-0 lead. Guerrero has a nine-game hitting streak.  The D-Backs tied it in their half of the first when Carroll walked, stole second and scored on Perdomo’s single. Thomas grounded a two-out double inside the bag at first to drive in Jose Fernandez, who had singled, to give Arizona a 2-1 lead in the fifth.  Toronto tied it in the sixth after an apparent double play was changed after a review. Jimenez singled with one out, and Gallen appeared to get out of the inning when Andres Gimenez grounded to Fernandez to start what originally was called an inning-ending double play.  Perdomo was ruled to have missed the bag on the play, leaving Jimenez at second, and he scored on Okamoto’s single to tie the game.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Corbin #Carroll #grand #slam #extends #DBacks #win #streak #Blue #Jays #skidApr 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) steals secondbase under the tag by Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andrés Giménez (0) in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Corbin Carroll broke a tie with an opposite-field grand slam in the eighth inning and the Arizona Diamondbacks extended their winning streak to four games with a 6-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Phoenix on Saturday.

Ildemaro Vargas singled off Jeff Hoffman (1-2) to open the eighth, extending his season-opening hitting streak to a franchise-record 14 games.

Alek Thomas singled and Ketel Marte walked to bring up Carroll, who hit his fourth career grand slam on a 3-1 fastball.

The D-backs, who have won eight of 10, lead the majors with 10 comeback victories.

Geraldo Perdomo had three singles and an RBI and Thomas had two hits for the Diamondbacks, who had eight hits.

Nathan Lukes had three hits, Kazuma Okamoto had two hits and an RBI, and Ernie Clement and Eloy Jimenez had two hits apiece for the Blue Jays, who have lost six of seven and 12 of 15.


Juan Morillo (1-1) struck out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a 100 mph fastball with a runner on first to end the seventh and keep the game tied at 2. He allowed one hit and struck out two over 1 1/3 innings of relief.

Toronto starter Max Scherzer gave up two runs on five hits in six innings, with one strikeout and one walk.

Arizona starter Zac Gallen permitted two runs and nine hits, leaving after Okamato’s single tied the game at 2 with two outs in the sixth. He struck out three with no walks.

Lukes, Guerrero and Jesus Sanchez singled in the top of the first, with Sanchez’s one-out single driving in Lukes for a 1-0 lead. Guerrero has a nine-game hitting streak.

The D-Backs tied it in their half of the first when Carroll walked, stole second and scored on Perdomo’s single. Thomas grounded a two-out double inside the bag at first to drive in Jose Fernandez, who had singled, to give Arizona a 2-1 lead in the fifth.

Toronto tied it in the sixth after an apparent double play was changed after a review. Jimenez singled with one out, and Gallen appeared to get out of the inning when Andres Gimenez grounded to Fernandez to start what originally was called an inning-ending double play.

Perdomo was ruled to have missed the bag on the play, leaving Jimenez at second, and he scored on Okamoto’s single to tie the game.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Corbin #Carroll #grand #slam #extends #DBacks #win #streak #Blue #Jays #skid

Apr 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) steals secondbase under the tag by Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andrés Giménez (0) in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Corbin Carroll broke a tie with an opposite-field grand slam in the eighth inning and the Arizona Diamondbacks extended their winning streak to four games with a 6-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Phoenix on Saturday.

Ildemaro Vargas singled off Jeff Hoffman (1-2) to open the eighth, extending his season-opening hitting streak to a franchise-record 14 games.

Alek Thomas singled and Ketel Marte walked to bring up Carroll, who hit his fourth career grand slam on a 3-1 fastball.

The D-backs, who have won eight of 10, lead the majors with 10 comeback victories.

Geraldo Perdomo had three singles and an RBI and Thomas had two hits for the Diamondbacks, who had eight hits.

Nathan Lukes had three hits, Kazuma Okamoto had two hits and an RBI, and Ernie Clement and Eloy Jimenez had two hits apiece for the Blue Jays, who have lost six of seven and 12 of 15.

Juan Morillo (1-1) struck out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a 100 mph fastball with a runner on first to end the seventh and keep the game tied at 2. He allowed one hit and struck out two over 1 1/3 innings of relief.

Toronto starter Max Scherzer gave up two runs on five hits in six innings, with one strikeout and one walk.

Arizona starter Zac Gallen permitted two runs and nine hits, leaving after Okamato’s single tied the game at 2 with two outs in the sixth. He struck out three with no walks.

Lukes, Guerrero and Jesus Sanchez singled in the top of the first, with Sanchez’s one-out single driving in Lukes for a 1-0 lead. Guerrero has a nine-game hitting streak.

The D-Backs tied it in their half of the first when Carroll walked, stole second and scored on Perdomo’s single. Thomas grounded a two-out double inside the bag at first to drive in Jose Fernandez, who had singled, to give Arizona a 2-1 lead in the fifth.

Toronto tied it in the sixth after an apparent double play was changed after a review. Jimenez singled with one out, and Gallen appeared to get out of the inning when Andres Gimenez grounded to Fernandez to start what originally was called an inning-ending double play.

Perdomo was ruled to have missed the bag on the play, leaving Jimenez at second, and he scored on Okamoto’s single to tie the game.

–Field Level Media

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PBKS vs LSG, IPL 2026 — Priyansh, Connolly put on a show to help Punjab Kings extend unbeaten run <div id="content-body-70881913" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Punjab Kings remained unbeaten and retained its top spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) standings with a commanding 54-run win over Lucknow Super Giants at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium here on Sunday. </p><p>The host’s bowlers rose in unison to defend a mammoth 254, this season’s highest total, which was set up by Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly’s blistering 182-run partnership off 80 balls for the second wicket.</p><p>The Super Giants were cruising at 61 for no loss in the sixth over, with Ayush Badoni’s promotion as opener reaping dividends, before Vijaykumar Vyshak dismissed him off the last ball of the PowerPlay.</p><p>Rishabh Pant’s consecutive sixes off Marco Jansen in the following over, including a trademark one-handed swing that cleared long-on, kept Super Giants’ hopes afloat.</p><p>However, with Pant and Nicholas Pooran falling in the span of two overs, and 113 runs to get from the last five overs, the Super Giants were fighting a battle they couldn’t win.</p><p>Earlier, batting first for the first time this IPL, the Kings rode on Priyansh and Connolly to post 254 for seven, this season’s highest total.</p><p>The left-handed duo’s assault on a hapless attack was of such magnitude that the final five overs, which yielded 61 runs, seemed sedate in comparison.</p><p>The Kings were roaring at 179 for one after 13 overs, following a 32-run over bowled by Aiden Markram, which contained five sixes.</p><p><b>ALSO READ:</b><b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/mumbai-indians-vs-gujarat-titans-hardik-pandya-shubman-gill-ipl-2026-gt-mi-preview/article70881341.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">GT vs MI, IPL 2026: In hope of stars to turn up, Mumbai Indians visits in-form Gujarat Titans</a></b></p><p>Prince Yadav, the only LSG bowler who escaped the host’s wrath, put the skids on the scoring rate by dismissing Connolly with a short ball, before M. Siddharth prised out Priyansh in the following over. </p><p>After Super Giants elected to bowl, Mohammed Shami nicked off the in-form Prabhsimran Singh with an outswinger in the first over, while Prince kept Connolly quiet.</p><p>Once the field opened, Connolly, who was lucky not to have a leg-before appeal reviewed when he was on 4, made Pant & Co pay and raise a 35-ball fifty.</p><p>Priyansh, though, operating on a wholly different wavelength, brought up his half-century off just 19 balls to set the perfect launchpad and the win.  </p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 19, 2026</p></div> #PBKS #LSG #IPL #Priyansh #Connolly #put #show #Punjab #Kings #extend #unbeaten #run

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The Premier League 2025-26 title hangs in the balance, and Arsenal and Manchester City can take a major step towards challenging for the crown when they meet at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

FOLLOW LIVE | MANCHESTER CITY VS ARSENAL LIVE SCORE

Only six points separate leader Arsenal and second-placed Man City, with Pep Guardiola’s side having played a game less.

Why is Bukayo Saka not playing in Arsenal vs Manchester City?

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has not played for the club since sustaining an injury during the League Cup final defeat against Manchester City in March.

“Bukayo is out, that’s ‌for ⁠sure, Mikel (Merino) is out as well,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told reporters ⁠on Friday.

“We have another training session tomorrow. Madueke is quite positive, and he is a player who pushes through pain. I’m hopeful he can be available ​, but we’ll see if he’s ‌able to train. Saka is just starting to do some stuff. Let’s see that progression and how quickly we can go through,” he added.

Saka has made 42 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal this season, recording nine goals and seven assists.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

#Bukayo #Saka #playing #Arsenal #Manchester #City #Premier #League #match">Why is Bukayo Saka not playing in Arsenal vs Manchester City Premier League match?  The Premier League 2025-26 title hangs in the balance, and Arsenal and Manchester City can take a major step towards challenging for the crown when they meet at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.FOLLOW LIVE | MANCHESTER CITY VS ARSENAL LIVE SCOREOnly six points separate leader Arsenal and second-placed Man City, with Pep Guardiola’s side having played a game less.Why is Bukayo Saka not playing in Arsenal vs Manchester City?Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has not played for the club since sustaining an injury during the League Cup final defeat against Manchester City in March.“Bukayo is out, that’s ‌for ⁠sure, Mikel (Merino) is out as well,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told reporters ⁠on Friday.“We have another training session tomorrow. Madueke is quite positive, and he is a player who pushes through pain. I’m hopeful he can be available ​, but we’ll see if he’s ‌able to train. Saka is just starting to do some stuff. Let’s see that progression and how quickly we can go through,” he added.Saka has made 42 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal this season, recording nine goals and seven assists.Published on Apr 19, 2026  #Bukayo #Saka #playing #Arsenal #Manchester #City #Premier #League #match

MANCHESTER CITY VS ARSENAL LIVE SCORE

Only six points separate leader Arsenal and second-placed Man City, with Pep Guardiola’s side having played a game less.

Why is Bukayo Saka not playing in Arsenal vs Manchester City?

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has not played for the club since sustaining an injury during the League Cup final defeat against Manchester City in March.

“Bukayo is out, that’s ‌for ⁠sure, Mikel (Merino) is out as well,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told reporters ⁠on Friday.

“We have another training session tomorrow. Madueke is quite positive, and he is a player who pushes through pain. I’m hopeful he can be available ​, but we’ll see if he’s ‌able to train. Saka is just starting to do some stuff. Let’s see that progression and how quickly we can go through,” he added.

Saka has made 42 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal this season, recording nine goals and seven assists.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

#Bukayo #Saka #playing #Arsenal #Manchester #City #Premier #League #match">Why is Bukayo Saka not playing in Arsenal vs Manchester City Premier League match?

The Premier League 2025-26 title hangs in the balance, and Arsenal and Manchester City can take a major step towards challenging for the crown when they meet at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

FOLLOW LIVE | MANCHESTER CITY VS ARSENAL LIVE SCORE

Only six points separate leader Arsenal and second-placed Man City, with Pep Guardiola’s side having played a game less.

Why is Bukayo Saka not playing in Arsenal vs Manchester City?

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has not played for the club since sustaining an injury during the League Cup final defeat against Manchester City in March.

“Bukayo is out, that’s ‌for ⁠sure, Mikel (Merino) is out as well,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told reporters ⁠on Friday.

“We have another training session tomorrow. Madueke is quite positive, and he is a player who pushes through pain. I’m hopeful he can be available ​, but we’ll see if he’s ‌able to train. Saka is just starting to do some stuff. Let’s see that progression and how quickly we can go through,” he added.

Saka has made 42 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal this season, recording nine goals and seven assists.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

#Bukayo #Saka #playing #Arsenal #Manchester #City #Premier #League #match
Deadspin | Timberwolves look to shake off rust in Game 2 vs. Nuggets  Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles the ball up the court during the first half against the Denver Nuggets in game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images   The Denver Nuggets’ halftime adjustments in Game 1 on Saturday spurred them to a 116-105 win over Minnesota. Now, it’s the visiting Timberwolves’ turn to adjust for Game 2 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series on Monday night.  Minnesota missed 14 of its first 16 shots in the third quarter, when Denver built a 15-point lead. The Timberwolves cut it to 97-95 in the fourth quarter, but two turnovers contributed to a Nuggets’ run that put it away.  It is only one game, and No. 6 Minnesota has an opportunity to steal one from No. 3 Denver before heading home for Games 3 and 4.  “No one wants to have a moral victory, but we understand we had every opportunity to win that game and down the stretch, we cut it to two,” Ayo Dosunmu said. “We just have to be better.”  Composure and the ability to defend without fouling will be vital if the Timberwolves want to even the series. Jaden McDaniels hit a turnaround jumper that ended a Minnesota drought in the third quarter, and then drew a technical for pushing Nuggets star Nikola Jokic in the back after the bucket.  The Timberwolves had 25 personal fouls that led to 33 free-throw attempts for Denver, 16 by Jamal Murray. He didn’t miss from the line, and the Nuggets missed just three overall.  Minnesota’s chances to pull off the upset in the series hinge on star guard Anthony Edwards. He missed 11 of the final 14 games of the regular season due to a balky right knee, and Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said Edwards looked “rusty” Saturday.  Edwards acknowledged he struggled.   “I haven’t played in like a month, month and a half, so, I was a little fatigued,” he said despite tallying 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.  Denver is hoping to get fully healthy for the rest of the series if forward Peyton Watson can return from a right hamstring strain. Watson has not played since aggravating the hamstring injury on April 1. He initially sustained the injury Feb. 4 and missed more than six weeks.  The Nuggets do have Jokic and Murray healthy, and they were a force in Game 1. Jokic recorded the 22nd triple-double of his playoff career, and Murray scored 30 points despite going 7-for-22 from the field. He did most of his damage from the line and disputed Minnesota’s grumblings in the disparity of foul calls.  “I thought I got fouled on every single one of them. I don’t know what everybody is talking about,” Murray said. “They were real fouls.”  Denver has been on a roll since losing to Memphis on March 18. The Nuggets won their final 12 games of the regular season to overtake the Los Angeles Lakers for the third seed and secure a third playoff meeting in four years against the Timberwolves to build on a budding rivalry.  “I think some people say it’s the same teams. I don’t think it’s the same teams,” Jokic said. “People are more experienced, different players. One player can change the whole situation, the whole rotation, the whole momentum of the team.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Timberwolves #shake #rust #Game #NuggetsApr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles the ball up the court during the first half against the Denver Nuggets in game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets’ halftime adjustments in Game 1 on Saturday spurred them to a 116-105 win over Minnesota. Now, it’s the visiting Timberwolves’ turn to adjust for Game 2 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series on Monday night.

Minnesota missed 14 of its first 16 shots in the third quarter, when Denver built a 15-point lead. The Timberwolves cut it to 97-95 in the fourth quarter, but two turnovers contributed to a Nuggets’ run that put it away.

It is only one game, and No. 6 Minnesota has an opportunity to steal one from No. 3 Denver before heading home for Games 3 and 4.

“No one wants to have a moral victory, but we understand we had every opportunity to win that game and down the stretch, we cut it to two,” Ayo Dosunmu said. “We just have to be better.”

Composure and the ability to defend without fouling will be vital if the Timberwolves want to even the series. Jaden McDaniels hit a turnaround jumper that ended a Minnesota drought in the third quarter, and then drew a technical for pushing Nuggets star Nikola Jokic in the back after the bucket.

The Timberwolves had 25 personal fouls that led to 33 free-throw attempts for Denver, 16 by Jamal Murray. He didn’t miss from the line, and the Nuggets missed just three overall.

Minnesota’s chances to pull off the upset in the series hinge on star guard Anthony Edwards. He missed 11 of the final 14 games of the regular season due to a balky right knee, and Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said Edwards looked “rusty” Saturday.


Edwards acknowledged he struggled.

“I haven’t played in like a month, month and a half, so, I was a little fatigued,” he said despite tallying 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.

Denver is hoping to get fully healthy for the rest of the series if forward Peyton Watson can return from a right hamstring strain. Watson has not played since aggravating the hamstring injury on April 1. He initially sustained the injury Feb. 4 and missed more than six weeks.

The Nuggets do have Jokic and Murray healthy, and they were a force in Game 1. Jokic recorded the 22nd triple-double of his playoff career, and Murray scored 30 points despite going 7-for-22 from the field. He did most of his damage from the line and disputed Minnesota’s grumblings in the disparity of foul calls.

“I thought I got fouled on every single one of them. I don’t know what everybody is talking about,” Murray said. “They were real fouls.”

Denver has been on a roll since losing to Memphis on March 18. The Nuggets won their final 12 games of the regular season to overtake the Los Angeles Lakers for the third seed and secure a third playoff meeting in four years against the Timberwolves to build on a budding rivalry.

“I think some people say it’s the same teams. I don’t think it’s the same teams,” Jokic said. “People are more experienced, different players. One player can change the whole situation, the whole rotation, the whole momentum of the team.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Timberwolves #shake #rust #Game #Nuggets">Deadspin | Timberwolves look to shake off rust in Game 2 vs. Nuggets  Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles the ball up the court during the first half against the Denver Nuggets in game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images   The Denver Nuggets’ halftime adjustments in Game 1 on Saturday spurred them to a 116-105 win over Minnesota. Now, it’s the visiting Timberwolves’ turn to adjust for Game 2 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series on Monday night.  Minnesota missed 14 of its first 16 shots in the third quarter, when Denver built a 15-point lead. The Timberwolves cut it to 97-95 in the fourth quarter, but two turnovers contributed to a Nuggets’ run that put it away.  It is only one game, and No. 6 Minnesota has an opportunity to steal one from No. 3 Denver before heading home for Games 3 and 4.  “No one wants to have a moral victory, but we understand we had every opportunity to win that game and down the stretch, we cut it to two,” Ayo Dosunmu said. “We just have to be better.”  Composure and the ability to defend without fouling will be vital if the Timberwolves want to even the series. Jaden McDaniels hit a turnaround jumper that ended a Minnesota drought in the third quarter, and then drew a technical for pushing Nuggets star Nikola Jokic in the back after the bucket.  The Timberwolves had 25 personal fouls that led to 33 free-throw attempts for Denver, 16 by Jamal Murray. He didn’t miss from the line, and the Nuggets missed just three overall.  Minnesota’s chances to pull off the upset in the series hinge on star guard Anthony Edwards. He missed 11 of the final 14 games of the regular season due to a balky right knee, and Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said Edwards looked “rusty” Saturday.  Edwards acknowledged he struggled.   “I haven’t played in like a month, month and a half, so, I was a little fatigued,” he said despite tallying 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.  Denver is hoping to get fully healthy for the rest of the series if forward Peyton Watson can return from a right hamstring strain. Watson has not played since aggravating the hamstring injury on April 1. He initially sustained the injury Feb. 4 and missed more than six weeks.  The Nuggets do have Jokic and Murray healthy, and they were a force in Game 1. Jokic recorded the 22nd triple-double of his playoff career, and Murray scored 30 points despite going 7-for-22 from the field. He did most of his damage from the line and disputed Minnesota’s grumblings in the disparity of foul calls.  “I thought I got fouled on every single one of them. I don’t know what everybody is talking about,” Murray said. “They were real fouls.”  Denver has been on a roll since losing to Memphis on March 18. The Nuggets won their final 12 games of the regular season to overtake the Los Angeles Lakers for the third seed and secure a third playoff meeting in four years against the Timberwolves to build on a budding rivalry.  “I think some people say it’s the same teams. I don’t think it’s the same teams,” Jokic said. “People are more experienced, different players. One player can change the whole situation, the whole rotation, the whole momentum of the team.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Timberwolves #shake #rust #Game #Nuggets

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