Jokic’s triple-double and Murray’s 30 points propel Denver past Minnesota in a physical playoff opener.
In a game defined more by bruises than highlight reels, the Denver Nuggets proved why they remain the team to beat in the West. Despite trailing by as many as 12 points early, Denver used a dominant third-quarter surge to pull away from the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 116-105 win at Ball Arena.
The contest was a throwback to physical postseason basketball, featuring 42 called fouls, multiple technicals, and a bloody nose for three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
The Stars Shine Through the Scrape
The Nuggets were led by their cornerstone duo, who found ways to produce despite a difficult shooting night from the perimeter.
- Nikola Jokic: Finished with a commanding 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. Jokic took several hard hits to the face throughout the evening but anchored the Nuggets during a crucial five-point stretch in the fourth quarter to keep Minnesota at bay.
- Jamal Murray: Led all scorers with 30 points. While Murray struggled from deep (0-for-8 from three), he was clinical at the charity stripe, going a perfect 16-of-16 from the free-throw line.
The Third Quarter Shift
Minnesota controlled the tempo early, led by Anthony Edwards, who scored 22 points while battling a sore right knee. However, the game turned in the third quarter when Denver ignited a 17-2 run. The Timberwolves went scoreless for over four minutes during that stretch, allowing the Nuggets to turn a deficit into a double-digit lead they would never fully relinquish.
Physicality and Friction
The Northwest Division rivalry was on full display as tensions boiled over multiple times:
- Jaden McDaniels was assessed an unsportsmanlike technical for a shove on Jokic.
- Nuggets coach David Adelman and Minnesota’s Julius Randle both picked up technical fouls in a heated second half.
- Aaron Gordon provided 17 points but struggled with early foul trouble, a testament to the game’s aggressive officiating.
Looking Ahead
For Minnesota, the loss is a reminder of the discipline required to take down the champs. Coach Chris Finch noted post-game that the team must be “more composed” in high-pressure moments. For Denver, the win marks their 13th consecutive victory dating back to the regular season.
Game 2 is set for Monday night in Denver, where the Timberwolves will look to even the series before heading back to Minneapolis.
Stay tuned to A.T.L. N.E.W.S. for continuing coverage of the Western Conference’s most physical first-round matchup.