Key Takeaways:
- Anthony Edwards contributed 30 points as Minnesota overcame a 19-point early deficit on Monday night
- Denver’s Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic struggled in the fourth quarter, combining for just 2-for-12 shooting
- The series heads to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Thursday night, now tied at one game apiece
Match Analysis
The Minnesota Timberwolves staged a remarkable second-half comeback, overturning a 19-point first-quarter shortfall to defeat the Denver Nuggets 119-114 on Monday night. With this result, the teams’ Western Conference playoff series stands level at 1-1.
Denver entered the game riding a 13-game winning streak dating back to 18 March, but Minnesota halted their run after a dramatic fourth quarter. The match shifted in the closing seconds when Anthony Edwards lost possession with 31 seconds left. Christian Braun was fouled at the other end but only converted one of his two free throws, keeping Denver behind 115-114 with 19 seconds to play.
A timeout allowed Minnesota to regroup, after which Julius Randle calmly sank two free throws. Donte DiVincenzo sealed the win with a breakaway dunk, completing the Timberwolves’ rally from a slow start.
IT'S ALL EVEN. pic.twitter.com/7JzJmYC1np
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 21, 2026
Player Performance and Key Moments
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 30 points, showing significant improvement in attacking the basket compared to his 22-point outing in Game 1, when he was visibly hampered by knee problems. Julius Randle contributed 24 points, while Donte DiVincenzo closed out the game with a vital dunk in the dying seconds.
For the Nuggets, Jamal Murray also scored 30 and Nikola Jokic registered 24 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists. However, the duo faltered late, combining for just 2-for-12 shooting in the final period and accumulating only four points between them in those crucial minutes.
Jamal Murray electrified the end of the first half by sinking a remarkable 51-foot three-pointer at the buzzer, bringing the score level at 64. Jokic’s 16 points in the third quarter appeared to put the Nuggets in control as they claimed a 93-90 lead heading into the final period.
The Timberwolves made considerable gains in second-chance opportunities, outscoring Denver 20-3 in that category. Minnesota wrestled back momentum after falling behind, only for the Nuggets to close the first half on an eight-point run.
Shooting and Statistics
Both teams reached the free-throw line 30 times, with Minnesota converting 19 attempts to Denver’s 23. The Timberwolves had trailed 44-25 after the first quarter, hampered by 11 personal fouls to the Nuggets’ four in the opening period. But by focusing offensive efforts at the rim—particularly through Edwards—Minnesota managed to flip the game in their favour.
Jamal Murray, after missing all eight of his three-point attempts in Game 1, found form with five of seven made before halftime on Monday, including a pair of four-point plays induced by Ayo Dosunmu’s fouls.
| Team | Points | Top Scorer | Rebounds Leader | Assists Leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 119 | Anthony Edwards (30) | Anthony Edwards (10) | Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo (6) |
| Denver Nuggets | 114 | Jamal Murray (30) | Nikola Jokic (15) | Nikola Jokic (8) |
Chance for Redemption Moves to Minneapolis
This defeat marked a missed opportunity for Denver, who have historically excelled when leading playoff series 2-0, holding an 8-0 record in those situations. Minnesota, in contrast, has never recovered from a two-game deficit in the postseason (0-8 all time). The series will resume with Game 3 on Thursday night in Minneapolis, where both teams will seek to assert control of the tie.
