Nuggets Beat Timberwolves 116-105 in Physical Game 1

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April 19, 2026

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The Denver Nuggets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105 in NBA Playoffs Game 1 on Saturday at Ball Arena. Jamal Murray scored 30 points for Denver going 16 of 16 from the free throw line. Nikola Jokic recorded 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists for his 22nd career playoff triple-double.

A 17-2 Third-Quarter Run Erases a 12-Point Denver Deficit

Denver trailed Minnesota by as many as 12 points before flipping the game in the third quarter. The Nuggets outscored the Timberwolves 29-17 in the third period, capped by a 17-2 run. Minnesota trimmed the deficit to 97-95 with 6:23 remaining in the fourth quarter. Jokic scored five straight points to restore Denver’s double-digit lead.

Murray went 0 of 8 from 3-point range but converted all 16 free throw attempts. Aaron Gordon added 17 points for Denver despite picking up three fouls in the first quarter. The game produced 42 total fouls and included technicals on Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels and Denver coach David Adelman.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 22 points while playing on a sore right knee. Edwards also collected 7 assists to become Minnesota’s franchise leader in career postseason assists. Denver has now won 13 consecutive games dating back to a March 18 loss. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night in Denver.