Nikola Jokić had a night to forget on Thursday, scoring 27 points on 26 shots in the Denver Nuggets' 113-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
What happened?
The Nuggets' three-time MVP struggled to find his rhythm, missing 19 of 24 three-pointers in the series, including 2-for-10 in Game 3.
He had four turnovers and three assists in the loss, which put the Nuggets in a 2-1 hole.
Why it matters for Nikola Jokić
Jokić's performance was uncharacteristic, and he acknowledged that he needed to do a better job scoring to open up opportunities for his teammates.
The Timberwolves' defense was able to contain him, and they feasted on his generosity on defense, scoring 68 points in the paint.
Ayo Dosunmu led the Timberwolves with 25 points, all of which were layups.
What comes next?
The pressure is now on Jokić to respond in Game 4 and remind the world of his greatness.
He must rescue the Nuggets' season, which entered the playoffs with championship ambition.
The Timberwolves outscored the Nuggets by 21 points with Jokić on the floor, and he will need to flip the switch in Game 4 to level the series.
Jokić's job is no longer to orchestrate, but to rescue the Nuggets' season.
The greatness we know of Jokić demands a retort after his worst-ever NBA playoff game.
On Thursday, the Timberwolves made nine of their first 11 shots in the restricted area, and Jokić will need to find a way to stop them in Game 4.
The Nuggets will need Jokić to return to form if they are to have any chance of winning the series.
Jokić's loyal fans will be hoping he can bounce back from his worst game and lead the Nuggets to victory.
The series continues on Saturday, and Jokić will need to be at his best if the Nuggets are to level the series.
The Timberwolves' game plan was to go at Jokić, and it paid off in Game 3.
Jaden McDaniels called the Nuggets bad defenders, and the Timberwolves were able to exploit this in Game 3.
The Nuggets will need to find a way to stop the Timberwolves' penetrators if they are to have any chance of winning the series.
Jokić will need to find a way to score and get his teammates involved if the Nuggets are to level the series.
The pressure is on Jokić to perform in Game 4, and he will need to be at his best if the Nuggets are to win.
The Nuggets' season is on the line, and Jokić will need to rescue it in Game 4.
The Timberwolves will be looking to capitalize on their Game 3 win and take a 3-1 lead in the series.
Jokić will need to find a way to stop them and lead the Nuggets to victory.
The series is heating up, and Jokić will need to be at his best if the Nuggets are to have any chance of winning.
The Nuggets will be hoping Jokić can bounce back from his worst game and lead them to victory in Game 4.
Jokić's performance in Game 4 will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series.
The Nuggets will need him to be at his best if they are to have any chance of winning.
The pressure is on Jokić, and he will need to respond in Game 4.
The Timberwolves will be looking to take advantage of Jokić's struggles and win the series.
Jokić will need to find a way to stop them and lead the Nuggets to victory.
The series continues on Saturday, and Jokić will need to be at his best if the Nuggets are to level the series.