Patryk Stachowiak
Timberwolves Advance Despite Losing Key Guards to Injuries
Anthony Edwards’ left knee buckled as he contested a layup late in the second quarter, while Donte DiVincenzo suffered an Achilles tendon injury just 1:19 into Game 4. The Minnesota Timberwolves still defeated the Denver Nuggets 3-1 in the Western Conference quarterfinal series, with Ayu Dosunmu delivering 43 points in the sixth-seeded upset bid against the third-seeded Nuggets.
Coach Chris Finch appeared emotional after the win, acknowledging the toll of losing both starting guards.
“I feel completely devastated for Donte,”
Finch said Saturday night.
“Losing those two guys is really tough, tough emotionally for our guys.”
DiVincenzo’s Season Ends
DiVincenzo slipped chasing a loose ball in the opening minutes, immediately signaling for help and putting minimal weight on his right foot as he was assisted to the locker room. He left the arena in a wheelchair, with his season now over. The injury came after a strong playoff performance in which he averaged 14.3 points and made 11 of 22 three-pointers across the first three games.
Edwards’ Status Uncertain
Edwards was ruled out for the remainder of Game 4 with a left knee injury after his leg buckled on a defensive contest. The extent of the damage remains unclear, though his presence had been vital to Minnesota’s upset hopes. Coming into Saturday, the guard averaged 23 points and eight rebounds in the series.
Dosunmu carried the offensive load in their absence.
“I was heartbroken,”
he said in the on-court postgame interview.
“This is for them. Ant, Donte, they mean so much to the organization. I’m sending them prayers. I hope for a speedy recovery.”
The Timberwolves face a critical Game 5 as they look to close out their series without their two starting guards. Follow all injury updates and playoff coverage on TipsGG.
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