Nuggets vs. Timberwolves score: Live NBA playoffs updates as Denver looks to take 3-0 lead on Minnesota

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ hopes of winning a playoff series for the first time since 2004 took a serious hit when they lost the opening two games of their first-round matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Now, as the action shifts back to Minneapolis, they face what is essentially a must-win Game 3 at home against a Nuggets team that appears to be firing on all cylinders at the moment.

Follow along below as CBS Sports provides live updates from the matchup between Minnesota and Denver.

End of second quarter: Nuggets 61, Timberwolves 55

After withstanding a hot start from the Wolves, the Nuggets began to impose their will in the second quarter, as the bench units did battle. Bruce Brown was a spark for Denver, scoring six quick points to go along with two rebounds and a steal. Jamal Murray started to heat up as well, showcasing his brilliant scoring ability in the pick-and-roll and in isolation. Minnesota remained within striking distance early in the second quarter thanks to six bench points from Taurean Prince and an aggressive Karl-Anthony Towns.

Midway through the quarter, the Wolves got a boost of energy from an unbelievable display of athleticism from Anthony Edwards, who blocked a layup on one end, then took the ball coast to coast for a contorting finish.

Denver led by as many as 13 points in the quarter, but Minnesota stemmed the tide to cut the lead to six at halftime. Edwards, Towns and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led all scorers with 13 points at halftime. Nikola Jokic was well on his way to a triple-double with 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Murray added 11 points as well.

End of first quarter: Nuggets 28, Timberwolves 28

The Timberwolves started the game with an early flurry of activity, as it was clear that the home team did not want to fall into an 0-3 hole. They were able to build an early lead, but the No. 1 seed Nuggets showed their poise by weathering the storm and eventually tying the game. Nikola Jokic did what reigning MVPs do, sensing that his team was struggling offensively and taking the lead as a scorer. Jokic put up 11 points in the first quarter on 5 of 7 shooting, while sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. added seven points and five rebounds on 3-for-5 shooting.

The Timberwolves were led by an aggressive Rudy Gobert, making his mark with eight points and four rebounds in the first quarter. Anthony Edwards shot 1 for 5 from the field, but scored seven points in the opening frame thanks to six free throw attempts. Karl-Anthony Towns, who struggled offensively in the first two games of the series, took six shots in the first quarter, but only made two of them.