Jokic and Murray Lead Nuggets to Gritty Game 1 Win Over Timberwolves

The Denver Nuggets survived a physical, foul-laden opening to the 2026 NBA Playoffs, pulling away for a 116-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic was once again the centerpiece of the Denver machine, recording a triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. Jokic even played through a bloody nose in the second half, emblematic of a game that featured 42 total fouls and multiple technicals. His ability to anchor the offense during a critical 17-2 third-quarter run turned a 12-point deficit into a comfortable lead for the home team.

Jamal Murray was equally vital, finishing with 30 points and a perfect 16-of-16 performance from the free-throw line. Despite an 0-for-8 night from beyond the arc, Murray found ways to impact the game, including a miraculous half-court heave that reset the shot clock late in the fourth quarter. That play eventually led to an Aaron Gordon dunk that iced the game for Denver. Gordon finished with 17 points despite battling early foul trouble. The Nuggets entered the postseason as the third seed in the West, buoyed by a 13-game winning streak that they have now extended into the first round.

The Minnesota Timberwolves showcased their athleticism early, led by Anthony Edwards, who scored 22 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Minnesota’s defense, anchored by Rudy Gobert (17 points, 10 rebounds), initially stifled the Nuggets, holding them to just 23 points in the first quarter. However, the Wolves' offense sputtered during the third-quarter collapse, going scoreless for over four minutes. Julius Randle added 10 points but was one of several players who struggled with the physical nature of the officiating, picking up a late technical foul in the heated atmosphere.

The game flow was a rollercoaster of momentum, with eight lead changes and six ties. Minnesota’s bench, featuring Naz Reid and Ayo Dosunmu, struggled to match the impact of Denver's veterans like Bruce Brown and Cameron Johnson. The Nuggets’ experience in "grimy" games, as coach David Adelman described it, proved to be the difference-maker. Denver's ability to maintain composure while the Timberwolves grew frustrated with the whistle allowed the defending Western Conference contenders to seize control of the series.

As the series progresses, the Timberwolves must address their scoring droughts if they hope to challenge a Nuggets team that has not lost since mid-March. The physicality is expected to only increase as the Northwest Division rivals head toward Game 2. "Winning a grimy game is good," Adelman noted after the win. "Both teams are experienced and know what it means to play in a physical matchup." For the Nuggets, holding serve at home was the first step in what they hope will be another deep championship run.