Nuggets-Timberwolves Playoff Rivalry Heats Up Again

The two teams have met three times in the playoffs over the last four seasons, with the Timberwolves holding a 9-8 edge.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:00am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors, depicting the action and energy of a basketball game between the Nuggets and Timberwolves, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes.The Nuggets and Timberwolves' growing playoff rivalry is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, highlighting the intensity and drama of their postseason matchups.Denver Today

The Nuggets and Timberwolves have developed a growing rivalry in the NBA playoffs, with the two teams meeting in the postseason three times over the last four seasons. Minnesota holds a 9-8 advantage in the all-time playoff series, including a stunning comeback win in the 2024 Western Conference semifinals after the Nuggets had taken a 3-1 lead. Superstars Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards have been at the center of the rivalry, with the Timberwolves looking to knock off the title-contending Nuggets once again.

Why it matters

The Nuggets-Timberwolves playoff matchup has become one of the most compelling rivalries in the NBA, with the two teams battling for Western Conference supremacy. As the Nuggets aim to return to the Finals and defend their championship, they'll have to get through the upstart Timberwolves, who are seeking their first trip to the conference finals since 2004.

The details

The Nuggets and Timberwolves first met in the playoffs in 2004, when Kevin Garnett led Minnesota to a 4-1 series win over a rookie Carmelo Anthony and the Nuggets. The two teams didn't meet again in the postseason until 2023, when the top-seeded Nuggets dispatched the Timberwolves 4-1. But in 2024, the script flipped, with Minnesota rallying from a 3-1 deficit to stun the defending champion Nuggets in seven games and advance to the Western Conference Finals.

  • The Nuggets and Timberwolves first met in the playoffs in 2004.
  • The two teams next met in the 2023 playoffs, with the Nuggets winning 4-1.
  • In 2024, the Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 4-3 in the Western Conference semifinals.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The superstar center for the Denver Nuggets, who led his team to the NBA championship in 2023.

Anthony Edwards

The rising star guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who has emerged as one of the league's most dynamic young players.

Kevin Garnett

The Hall of Fame forward who led the Timberwolves to their first-ever playoff series win over the Nuggets in 2004.

Carmelo Anthony

The rookie forward for the Nuggets in 2004, who struggled against Garnett and the Timberwolves in his first career playoff series.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' starting point guard, who was a key contributor to the team's championship run in 2023 but saw his production dip in the 2024 playoff loss to the Timberwolves.

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What they’re saying

“We've got a great opportunity in front of us to make another deep playoff run and get back to the Finals. But we know the Timberwolves are going to be a tough out. They've got a lot of talent and they've proven they can beat us when it counts.”

— Nikola Jokic, Nuggets Center

“This is the kind of series we've been waiting for. We've got a chance to knock off the champs and show the league that we're for real. We're not backing down from anyone.”

— Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves Guard

What’s next

The Nuggets and Timberwolves will meet in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs, with Game 1 scheduled for Saturday, April 12th in Denver.

The takeaway

The Nuggets-Timberwolves playoff rivalry has quickly become one of the most compelling in the NBA, with the two teams battling for Western Conference supremacy and a chance to compete for the championship. The matchup between superstars Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards has added extra intrigue, as the Timberwolves look to knock off the defending champions and make their own run at the title.