Nuggets Top Timberwolves in Game 1

The longtime Western Conference rivals meet in the playoffs once again.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:40am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors, breaking down a basketball game between two teams into sharp, overlapping geometric planes.The heated playoff clash between the Nuggets and Timberwolves is rendered in a cubist, geometric style that captures the intensity and energy of their ongoing Western Conference rivalry.Denver Today

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-106 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. The two teams have faced off numerous times in recent postseasons, building up a fierce rivalry between the Western Conference foes.

Why it matters

The Nuggets and Timberwolves have developed a heated playoff rivalry over the past several years, meeting in the postseason multiple times. This latest matchup will add another chapter to their ongoing battle for Western Conference supremacy.

The details

The Nuggets were led by Nikola Jokic's 32 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists, while Anthony Edwards scored 29 points for the Timberwolves. The game was closely contested throughout, with the Nuggets pulling away in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on April 18, 2026.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The star center for the Denver Nuggets, and a two-time NBA MVP.

Anthony Edwards

The young star guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, in his fourth NBA season.

Denver Nuggets

The NBA team based in Denver, Colorado, and a perennial playoff contender in the Western Conference.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The NBA team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and a rising force in the Western Conference.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a tough battle. That's the kind of series this is going to be - hard-fought, physical, and down to the wire.”

— Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets Center

“We had our chances, but they made the plays down the stretch. We'll learn from this and come back even stronger in Game 2.”

— Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves Guard

What’s next

Game 2 of the series will be played in Denver on April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

This hard-fought playoff matchup between the Nuggets and Timberwolves is the latest installment in their growing Western Conference rivalry, as two of the conference's top young teams battle for postseason supremacy.