Nuggets Overcome Slow Start to Beat Timberwolves in Game 1

Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic lead Denver to victory in physical playoff opener

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:23pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting overlapping basketball players, hoops, and court lines in a vibrant color palette, conceptually representing the intense action and competitive spirit of the Nuggets-Timberwolves playoff game.The Nuggets and Timberwolves battled in a physical, back-and-forth Game 1 that showcased the competitive nature of this first-round playoff series.Denver Today

The Denver Nuggets overcame a sluggish start to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105 in Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series. Jamal Murray scored 30 points, going a perfect 16-for-16 from the free-throw line, while Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. The game was physical, with 42 fouls called and technical fouls on Jaden McDaniels and Nuggets coach David Adelman.

Why it matters

The Nuggets and Timberwolves have been evenly matched in recent seasons, with the Nuggets holding a slim 15-14 advantage in regular season and playoff meetings since 2022-23. This series is expected to be a closely contested battle between two talented Western Conference teams.

The details

After trailing by as many as 12 points early, the Nuggets used a 17-2 run in the third quarter to build a double-digit lead. The Timberwolves trimmed the deficit to 97-95 with 6:23 left, but Jokic made a key five-point stretch to hold off the comeback. Murray also hit a long-range shot to reset the shot clock, leading to a dunk by Aaron Gordon that gave Denver a 108-101 lead late.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night.

The players

Jamal Murray

A guard for the Denver Nuggets who scored 30 points and went 16-for-16 from the free-throw line.

Nikola Jokic

The star center for the Denver Nuggets who recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists.

Aaron Gordon

A forward for the Denver Nuggets who had 17 points despite early foul trouble.

Anthony Edwards

A guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who scored 22 points while playing through a sore right knee.

Jaden McDaniels

A player for the Minnesota Timberwolves who received an unsportsmanlike technical foul for pushing Jokic in the back.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night.

The takeaway

This hard-fought Game 1 victory for the Nuggets showcases the competitive nature of this first-round playoff series between two talented Western Conference teams. The physical play and close score indicate this series could go the distance.