Jokic's triple-double, Murray's free-throw barrage lift Nuggets in Game 1 win over Timberwolves

Denver's star duo powered the team to a 1-0 series lead in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:39pm

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In a 116-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves to open their first-round playoff series, Nikola Jokic recorded his 22nd career postseason triple-double, while Jamal Murray scored 30 points, including a career-high 16 made free throws, to lead the Denver Nuggets to victory.

Why it matters

Jokic and Murray are the Nuggets' two best players, and their dominant performances in Game 1 showed why Denver is considered a title contender this postseason. The Nuggets will need their stars to continue playing at a high level if they hope to make a deep playoff run.

The details

Jokic overcame a slow start, including four turnovers in the first half, to finish with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. Murray was efficient at the free-throw line, making all 16 of his attempts, to offset an off night from 3-point range. The Nuggets pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Timberwolves 29-17 in the third quarter.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • Jokic recorded his 22nd career playoff triple-double.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star center and the NBA's leading assist man this season, who recorded a triple-double in the team's Game 1 win.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' star guard, who scored 30 points and set a career-high with 16 made free throws in the Game 1 victory.

Jaden McDaniels

The Minnesota Timberwolves forward who got into a skirmish with Jokic during the game.

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What they’re saying

“ABSURD stuff from the NBA's assist leader.”

— NBA

“THIS JOKER-ANT SEQUENCE 🍿 SUPERSTARS GOING AT IT IN GAME 1.”

— NBA

“NIKOLA JOKIĆ ARE YOU SERIOUS??? The crazy and-1 and the tip-in on back-to-back possessions to put Denver back up 7 🔥”

— NBA

What’s next

The Nuggets and Timberwolves will play Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Monday, April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

Jokic and Murray's dominant performances in Game 1 showed why the Nuggets are considered a top contender in the 2026 NBA Playoffs. If Denver's star duo can continue to play at this level, the team will be a tough out for any opponent.