In the latest NBA playoff action, the Denver Nuggets narrowly defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Indiana Pacers dominated the New York Knicks in Game 4.

 The defending champions, Denver, rallied to even the series at 2-2 with a 115-107 victory over Minnesota. Meanwhile, Indiana secured a commanding 121-89 win over the New York Knicks in Game 4.

Nikola Jokic netted 35 points in Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. [Image Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn/USA Today Sports via Reuters]

Nikola Jokic concluded with 35 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, contributing significantly to the Denver Nuggets' 115-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the NBA playoff Western Conference semifinals in Minneapolis. Meanwhile, the defending champions Nuggets outperformed the Timberwolves on Sunday, while the Indiana Pacers leveled the series against the New York Knicks.

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The Nuggets, led by NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic's 35 points, along with Aaron Gordon's 27 points on an impressive 11-of-12 shooting, and Jamal Murray's 19 points, secured their second consecutive victory in Minneapolis. This win leveled their best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series at two games apiece.

Meanwhile, the Pacers delivered a commanding performance in Indianapolis, crushing the Knicks 121-89 to even their Eastern Conference semifinal at 2-2.

"Now it's a best-of-three series," remarked Jokic, acknowledging the Timberwolves' surprising victories in the first two games in Denver, which only served to fortify the defending champions.

"We faced adversity and responded, and now we aim to protect our home court," Jokic stated, eagerly anticipating game five in Denver scheduled for Tuesday.

The Pacers assert their dominance over the struggling Knicks

In Indianapolis, the Pacers found their rhythm with their potent offense. Following two tightly contested games in the series, the Pacers orchestrated a commanding victory, capitalizing on a slew of injuries that had plagued the Knicks.

Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with 20 points, as the Pacers showcased their offensive prowess, shooting an impressive 56.8 percent from the field, sinking 14 three-pointers, and controlling the paint.

TJ McConnell contributed 15 points off the bench for Indiana, with six players reaching double figures in scoring.

The Pacers took control early, with a dunk by Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein marking the only highlight for New York in the first quarter. Indiana surged ahead, extending their lead to as much as 23 points.

Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' key player, struggled in the opening quarter, going 0-for-5, while the Pacers' bench outscored their counterparts 17-0.

The momentum carried into the second quarter, highlighted by a three-pointer from Tyrese Haliburton over Donte DiVincenzo that ignited the crowd and stretched the Pacers' lead to 30 with just under 6 seconds remaining in the first half.

Their lead ballooned to 43 points at its peak, prompting enthusiastic cheers from the fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. However, Haliburton emphasized the need for the Pacers to maintain focus on the upcoming challenges despite the overwhelming victory.

Haliburton expressed, "We fulfilled our role. They managed to secure two wins at home, and we've done the same. We comprehend the significance of game five and will be ready for the challenge."

The Knicks once again had to cope without OG Anunoby, who sustained a hamstring injury in game two, joining key players Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and Bojan Bogdanovic on the sidelines.

The toll of injuries was evident, particularly on Brunson, who persevered through a right foot injury. Despite his struggles, he managed to contribute 18 points, three rebounds, and five assists on 6-of-17 shooting before exiting the game midway through the third quarter.

With the outcome of the game already determined and game five looming at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, both coaches opted to rest their starters for the fourth quarter.

New York coach Tom Thibodeau refrained from attributing the Knicks' challenges, including their seven-for-37 shooting from three-point range, to injuries.

Indiana Pacers’s Ben Sheppard rebounds the ball over New York Knicks’s Shake Milton [Trevor Ruszkowski/USA Today Sports via Reuters

"In the playoffs, everyone faces obstacles," Thibodeau remarked. "Regardless of whether it's a close game or a blowout, a loss is a loss. The crucial thing is how you react."

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