The Timberwolves eliminated the Nuggets from the NBA playoffs on April 30, 2026, despite being without key players like Anthony Edwards due to injury. This unexpected outcome unfolded at Target Center in Minnesota during Game 6 of their first-round series.
Before Game 6, Minnesota held a 3-2 series lead after taking a commanding 3-1 advantage. The Nuggets managed to win Game 5, but they faced an uphill battle with injuries affecting their lineup. Jamal Murray had previously scored 30 points in that critical game, but his performance in Game 6 would tell a different story.
As the game commenced, it became evident that both teams were feeling the pressure. The Timberwolves struggled without Edwards, while Denver’s defense—ranked 21st during the regular season—was under scrutiny. The expectation was that Nikola Jokic would lead his team to victory; he was projected to score around 26.4 points.
However, as the clock ticked down in Game 6, it was Jokic’s solid performance—28 points, nine rebounds, and ten assists—that couldn’t secure a win for Denver. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray struggled significantly, contributing just 12 points on a dismal shooting night: he went 4-17 from the field.
Key statistics from Game 6:
- Nuggets scored only 125 points in Game 5
- Timberwolves scored 113 points in Game 5
- The Nuggets were favored by 7.5 points heading into Game 6
- The over/under for total points was set at 224.5
The Timberwolves ultimately triumphed in Game 6, closing out the series and sending the Nuggets home early. This marks just the second time in Jokic’s career that he has been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs—a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA.
The implications of this series are significant for both teams moving forward. For Minnesota, it’s a moment of validation; for Denver, it raises questions about their depth and defensive strategies as they prepare for next season.
