Key Takeaways:
- Minnesota Timberwolves claimed a commanding 113-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night to take a 2-1 lead in their NBA playoff first-round series
- The Timberwolves set a postseason franchise record by restricting the Nuggets to just 11 points in the opening quarter
- Rudy Gobert limited Nikola Jokic to 7-for-26 shooting, contributing 10 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks for Minnesota
Dominant Defensive Display from Minnesota
The Minnesota Timberwolves showcased their defensive tenacity on Thursday night in Minneapolis, overpowering the Denver Nuggets 113-96 to move ahead in their first-round NBA playoff matchup. Jaden McDaniels led by example, delivering 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Ayo Dosunmu made a significant impact off the bench with 25 points and nine assists. Donte DiVincenzo also contributed 15 points and four steals, as Minnesota surged to a 27-point cushion in the third quarter and amassed a striking 68-34 advantage in points in the paint.
Rudy Gobert continued to frustrate Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, keeping him to a difficult 7-for-26 shooting night, just as he did in Game 2. The Timberwolves set a club postseason record by conceding only 11 points to Denver in the first quarter, establishing a defensive tone that persisted throughout the contest.
THAT’S TWO. pic.twitter.com/t1okP5R6vw
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 24, 2026
Nuggets Struggle to Find Their Rhythm
Nuggets coach David Adelman reflected on their shooting difficulties: “The shooting really put us behind the 8-ball to start the game,” he remarked. “We only gave up 25 points in the first quarter. That’s actually a very good number. We just had a hard time making shots tonight. Our physicality offensively has got to get better.”
Despite a late surge, Nikola Jokic closed with 27 points and 15 rebounds, although his effort was not enough to bridge the gap. Denver felt the absence of Aaron Gordon, sidelined by a calf injury, which left a noticeable void in their starting lineup. Jamal Murray added 16 points, hitting just five of his 17 attempts, as Denver’s renowned three-point shooting faltered once more. The Nuggets have now converted 33 out of 109 three-point attempts in the series, a 30% success rate.
Key Minnesota Performers Shine
Jaden McDaniels’ pre-game comments labelling every Denver player as “bad defenders” proved apt as he and his teammates repeatedly broke through the Nuggets’ defence from the outset, establishing a 61-39 lead by half-time. The Timberwolves’ primary wing trio – McDaniels, DiVincenzo and Dosunmu – relentlessly attacked the rim, energising both team and crowd.
Throughout the evening, McDaniels thrilled fans with a three-pointer from the key and a one-handed dunk over Jokic and Spencer Jones. Supporters celebrated his outspoken “bad defenders” statement with homemade signs in the crowd, which drew a rare smile from the typically composed sixth-year player. Gobert praised McDaniels’ approach: “I thought it was a very emotionally sound game for him. That’s huge for him to just stay locked in, stay present, not getting frustrated.”
Dosunmu summed up the team’s assertive style: “We’re being decisive,” Dosunmu said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaden McDaniels | 20 | 10 | 3 |
| Ayo Dosunmu | 25 | 3 | 9 |
| Donte DiVincenzo | 15 | 4 | 7 |
| Rudy Gobert | 10 | 12 | 3 |
| Nikola Jokic | 27 | 15 | 3 |
| Jamal Murray | 16 | 3 | 4 |
Statistical Overview
The Timberwolves dominated inside, finishing with a 68-34 lead in points in the paint. Defensively, Minnesota’s remarkable opening quarter – conceding only 11 points – set a club playoff benchmark. Denver’s persistent three-point struggles (33-for-109 across three games) have proven costly as the Timberwolves now control the series momentum.
