Key Takeaways:
- Jamal Murray delivered 43 points, including 23 in the third quarter, as the Nuggets overtook the Timberwolves on Monday night
- Nikola Jokic recorded his third triple-double in three games with 25 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists
- Minnesota, missing Anthony Edwards due to a strained right hamstring, surrendered their halftime lead as Denver outscored them 45-29 in the pivotal third period
Game Overview
Jamal Murray produced a commanding performance, registering 43 points with 23 of those coming in a blistering third quarter, to help the Denver Nuggets secure a 127-114 victory over the undermanned Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. Nikola Jokic added a remarkable 25 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, achieving his third consecutive triple-double of the season and bringing his career tally to 167, ranking third on the NBA’s all-time list.
Jamal Murray: Nikola Jokic:
43 points 25 points
6 rebounds 19 rebounds
3 assists 10 assists
16/29 FG 9/10 FGTHIS DUO. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/TqK023IKsa
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 28, 2025
Team News and Player Absences
The Timberwolves entered the contest without their star guard Anthony Edwards, who is set to be sidelined for at least a week following a strained right hamstring sustained in Sunday’s fixture against Indiana. Additionally, Minnesota was without reserve guard Jaylen Clark due to left calf tightness.
Notable Performances
Murray shot 16 of 29 from the field and connected on five attempts from beyond the arc. Denver found themselves trailing by eight at halftime, but responded with a 45-29 surge in the third quarter, turning the tide in their favour. Tim Hardaway Jr. recorded 20 points while Peyton Watson contributed 12 for the visiting side.
For Minnesota, Jaden McDaniels led with 25 points, Julius Randle added 24, and Naz Reid chipped in with 18.
Game Flow and Turning Points
Minnesota maintained a 65-57 advantage at the break, but Murray quickly cut into that deficit by opening the third quarter with a jumper and a three-pointer. His third triple of the quarter saw Denver edge in front 79-78. Hardaway Jr.’s two late threes in the period solidified the Nuggets’ lead at 102-94 heading into the fourth.
The Timberwolves narrowed the margin to 104-101, but Peyton Watson responded with eight points in a crucial 10-0 sequence, featuring consecutive corner threes that re-established Denver’s control. The Nuggets had lost all four regular-season meetings against Minnesota last year, but capitalised on Edwards’ absence – he averaged 31.5 points per game against Denver last season – to claim a notable win.
Upcoming Fixtures
Looking ahead to Wednesday, Denver will host New Orleans, while Minnesota will play host to the Lakers.
