3 keys to another Denver win in Game 2

The Nuggets are halfway to protecting their home-court advantage with a 2-0 series lead.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:08pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented and overlapping basketball players, hoops, and court lines, capturing the dynamic action and strategy of the playoff matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves.The Nuggets' ability to disrupt the Timberwolves' star player and get contributions from their supporting cast has them in control of the series so far.Denver Today

The Denver Nuggets are looking to take a 2-0 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves in their NBA playoff matchup. The article outlines three key factors that could lead the Nuggets to another victory in Game 2: continuing to make Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards work hard on defense, relying on the shooting of Christian Braun, and getting a boost from the bench players like Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr.

Why it matters

The Nuggets are aiming to protect their home-court advantage and put themselves in a commanding position in the series before heading to Minnesota. Slowing down Edwards, getting production from role players, and maintaining their bench edge could be the difference in securing a 2-0 lead.

The details

The Nuggets did a good job of making Edwards work hard on defense in Game 1, forcing him to navigate screens and dribble drives. Continuing that approach in Game 2 will be crucial. Christian Braun knocked down two 3-pointers in Game 1, and if the Timberwolves adjust their defense on Nikola Jokic, that could open up more opportunities for Braun to shoot with confidence. The Nuggets' bench, led by Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., provided a positive impact in the series opener, and maintaining that energy and production will be important.

  • The Nuggets and Timberwolves will play Game 2 on Monday, April 22, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver.

The players

Anthony Edwards

The star player for the Minnesota Timberwolves who is playing through a knee injury.

Cam Johnson

A Denver Nuggets player who spends a lot of time as a spot-up shooter.

Christian Braun

The Denver Nuggets' starting shooting guard who knocked down two 3-pointers in Game 1.

Bruce Brown

A Denver Nuggets bench player who provided energy and impact in Game 1.

Tim Hardaway Jr.

A Denver Nuggets bench player who had a positive impact in Game 1 despite an uncharacteristic shooting performance.

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What’s next

The Nuggets and Timberwolves will play Game 2 on Monday, April 22, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver. A Nuggets win would give them a 2-0 series lead before the series shifts to Minnesota.

The takeaway

The Nuggets have a clear path to taking a commanding 2-0 series lead if they can continue to make Anthony Edwards work hard on defense, get consistent production from Christian Braun, and receive a boost from their bench players like Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. Maintaining their home-court advantage will be crucial as the series progresses.