Jamal Murray scores 30, Nuggets hold off Timberwolves for Game 1 win in NBA playoffs

Denver rallies from early deficit to take series opener against Minnesota

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:07pm

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The Denver Nuggets overcame an early deficit to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105 in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 30 points, while Nikola Jokic added a double-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. The Nuggets rallied from a 10-point deficit in the first half, tying the game by halftime and then pulling away in the third quarter with a 14-0 run. Anthony Edwards had 22 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for the Timberwolves, but Julius Randle struggled, needing 16 shots to score 16 points.

Why it matters

This game was a rematch of a contentious second-round playoff series in 2024, when the Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets in Denver. The Nuggets were determined not to let that happen again, rallying from an early deficit to take Game 1 and set the tone for the series.

The details

The Nuggets fell behind early as the Timberwolves brought their physical 2024 defense to Denver, frustrating Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. But Denver settled in, tying the game by halftime and then pulling away in the third quarter with a 14-0 run. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 30 points, while Jokic added a double-double. The Nuggets' defense also stepped up, holding the Wolves scoreless for over four minutes in the third quarter.

  • The Nuggets and Timberwolves met in the playoffs in 2024, with Minnesota defeating Denver in that second-round series.
  • Game 1 of the 2026 NBA playoff series between the Nuggets and Timberwolves was played on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' star point guard, who led the team with 30 points on 16-for-16 shooting from the free throw line.

Nikola Jokic

The three-time MVP for the Nuggets, who had 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in the Game 1 win.

Anthony Edwards

The Timberwolves' star guard, who led Minnesota with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists despite playing on a wobbly knee.

Julius Randle

The Timberwolves' forward, who struggled, needing 16 shots to score 16 points.

David Adelman

The Timberwolves' head coach, who was called for a technical foul during the game.

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What they’re saying

“I'll say I'm gonna play eight and a half going in. That's kind of the way you look at it.”

— David Adelman, Timberwolves Head Coach

What’s next

The Nuggets and Timberwolves will play Game 2 of their playoff series on Monday, April 20, 2026 in Denver.

The takeaway

The Nuggets showed resilience in overcoming an early deficit against their playoff rivals, the Timberwolves, to take Game 1. This victory helps the Nuggets exorcise some demons from their 2024 playoff loss to Minnesota and sets them up well to potentially advance to the next round.