NBA Playoffs roundup: Hawks survived Knicks, Raptors surged, Timberwolves seized control 

The NBA Playoffs first round continued on April 23, 2026 featuring three crucial Game 3 matchups that shifted momentum across both conferences. In the East, the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors secured tight control of their series with home wins to move ahead 2–1, while out West, the Minnesota Timberwolves powered past the Denver Nuggets to also take a 2–1 series lead. All three games delivered key scoring runs and decisive fourth-quarter pushes that helped define the direction of their respective series moving forward.

Knicks vs. Hawks – Atlanta edges New York, leads series 2–1 (109–108)

The Atlanta Hawks protected home court in dramatic fashion, slipping past the New York Knicks 109–108 in a tightly contested Game 3 to take a 2–1 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series.

The game featured a back-and-forth rhythm from the opening tip, with New York holding a slim edge after the first quarter behind balanced scoring across their rotation. The Hawks responded in the second period, leaning on timely perimeter shooting and transition opportunities to take a narrow halftime advantage.

Both teams traded punches through the third quarter, setting up a tense finish where execution became the deciding factor. Atlanta’s late-game composure proved crucial as they converted key possessions down the stretch while holding off a final Knicks push.

New York’s offensive leaders kept the game within reach, but missed opportunities in the closing minutes ultimately cost them a chance to steal the road win. The Knicks now return home trailing in the series and needing to respond in Game 4.

KNICKS-HAWKS G3? CINEMA.

Anunoby bring NYK within 1, 2:23 left
Johnson puts ATL up 3, 1:58 left
McBride ties the game at 105
Brunson puts NYK up 3, 1:03 left
McCollum hits the GW, 12.5 left@ATLHawks take a 2-1 series lead!

G4: Sat, 6pm/et, NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/FBB0JesLzT

— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026

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THURSDAY’S FINAL SCORES

Ayo Dosunmu shines off the bench as the @Timberwolves secure a 2-1 series lead in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs presented by @Google!

Jaden McDaniels: 20 PTS, 10 REB, 9-13 FGM

Game 4: Saturday, 8:30pm/et, ABC https://t.co/4HHNLLQgau pic.twitter.com/RMDEPiQqzC

— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026

Cavaliers vs. Raptors – Toronto takes Game 3, Cleveland still leads series 2–1 (126–104) 

The Toronto Raptors delivered a commanding performance at home, overpowering the Cleveland Cavaliers 126–104 in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.

After a competitive first half where both teams traded runs, Toronto took full control in the second half with a dominant fourth-quarter surge, outscoring Cleveland 43–23 to pull away for a convincing win. The Raptors’ pace, defensive pressure, and balanced scoring proved too much down the stretch as they dictated the final period.

Cleveland kept things tight early behind steady offense, but struggled to sustain momentum as Toronto’s defense tightened and the transition game took over. Despite the loss, the Cavaliers still hold a 2–1 series lead heading into Game 4, keeping control of the matchup but with Toronto now gaining confidence after a statement win.

Nuggets vs. Timberwolves – Minnesota takes control, leads series 2–1 (113–96)

The Minnesota Timberwolves defended home court with authority, defeating the Denver Nuggets 113–96 in Game 3 to seize a 2–1 lead in their Western Conference first-round series.

Minnesota set the tone early with aggressive defense and efficient scoring, building momentum through transition opportunities and strong interior play. Denver struggled to find rhythm in the opening quarter and never fully recovered as the Timberwolves maintained control throughout.

The Nuggets showed brief resistance in the middle quarters, but Minnesota consistently answered runs with timely baskets and defensive stops. The Timberwolves’ energy and rebounding edge proved decisive in limiting Denver’s second-chance opportunities.

By the fourth quarter, Minnesota had firmly established control, closing out the game with composure to secure a crucial series advantage.

With all three Game 3 results shifting series momentum, the Hawks, Raptors, and Timberwolves now hold 2–1 leads as the first-round battles intensify heading into pivotal Game 4 matchups.

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