Jokic's Triple-Double Leads Nuggets Past Timberwolves in Game 1

Denver takes 1-0 series lead with 116-105 victory at home.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:25am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic basketball action of the Nuggets-Timberwolves playoff game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color representing the players, court, and ball movement.Nikola Jokic's triple-double performance powers the Nuggets to a Game 1 victory over the Timberwolves in their first-round playoff series.Denver Today

Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105 in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series. Jamal Murray scored a game-high 30 points, including a perfect 16-for-16 performance from the free throw line, to help the Nuggets take the early series lead.

Why it matters

The Nuggets are looking to make a deep playoff run after a disappointing end to their season last year. Jokic's dominant performance and the team's ability to get to the free throw line could be a sign that they have the formula to advance past the Timberwolves, who are seeking their first playoff series win since 2018.

The details

The Timberwolves led by as many as 12 points in the first half, but the Nuggets rallied in the second quarter to tie the game at halftime. Denver then pulled away in the third quarter, going on a 14-0 run capped by an Aaron Gordon dunk to take an 82-68 lead. The Timberwolves made a late push in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to two points, but Jokic answered with a three-point play and a tip-in to help the Nuggets hold on for the victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Monday, April 21, 2026 in Denver.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star center, who recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in the Game 1 victory.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' starting point guard, who scored a game-high 30 points and went a perfect 16-for-16 from the free throw line.

Anthony Edwards

The Timberwolves' leading scorer with 22 points in the Game 1 loss.

Rudy Gobert

The Timberwolves' starting center, who had 17 points and 10 rebounds in the defeat.

Aaron Gordon

The Nuggets' starting power forward, who scored 17 points and had a key dunk during Denver's third-quarter run.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with that same energy and focus in Game 2 if we want to take a 2-0 lead in the series.”

— Nikola Jokic, Nuggets Center

What’s next

Game 2 of the series will be played on Monday, April 21, 2026 in Denver.

The takeaway

The Nuggets' ability to rally from an early deficit and pull away in the second half, combined with Jokic's dominant triple-double performance, suggests they have the firepower to overcome the Timberwolves in this first-round playoff matchup.