Nuggets beat Timberwolves 125-113 behind Jokic

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 125-113 on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Ball Arena, with Nikola Jokic leading the way with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 16 assists in a complete all-around performance that kept Denver alive in the first-round series.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Denver set the tone early by taking a 34-29 lead after one quarter. The Nuggets found a steady offensive rhythm, moving the ball well and generating efficient looks, while Minnesota stayed close behind strong early scoring of its own.

Second Quarter

The Nuggets added to their advantage in the second, outscoring the Timberwolves 26-22 to take a 60-51 lead into halftime. Denver continued to operate comfortably in the half court, and its offensive balance helped create separation before the break.

Third Quarter

The game turned decisively in the third. Denver posted 37 points in the quarter while holding Minnesota to 24, stretching the margin to 97-75 entering the fourth. Jokic controlled the pace, and the Nuggets’ passing repeatedly opened up quality shots around the floor.

Fourth Quarter

Minnesota responded with a 38-point fourth quarter and showed urgency late, but the deficit from the third proved too large to overcome. Denver scored 28 in the final period and managed the closing minutes well enough to come away with the 12-point win.

Key Performers

Nikola Jokic, Nuggets: Jokic was the standout performer, finishing with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 16 assists. He led Denver in all three categories and was the central force behind the team’s 35 assists and 56.6 percent shooting from the field.

Julius Randle, Timberwolves: Randle matched Jokic with 27 points and added nine rebounds and six assists. He gave Minnesota consistent production and was the team’s top statistical contributor.

Team numbers that mattered: Denver shot 47-for-83 from the field, hit 11 three-pointers, and committed to ball movement throughout the night. Minnesota shot a solid 50.6 percent overall and 42.9 percent from three, but Denver’s third-quarter control and assist edge made the difference.

NerdSports Stat: Denver recorded 35 assists on 47 made field goals, meaning 74.5 percent of the Nuggets’ baskets were assisted in a playoff game they won by 12 despite being outrebounded 38-29.

Game Analysis

This game was shaped by Denver’s offensive execution, especially through Jokic’s playmaking. The Nuggets consistently created clean scoring chances and played with spacing and timing that Minnesota struggled to disrupt for long stretches. Even though the Timberwolves shot well and finished strong in the fourth, Denver’s 37-point third quarter gave it the cushion it needed.

The rebounding numbers favored Minnesota, but Denver offset that with superior ball movement, a plus-nine assist margin, and better overall control during the middle portion of the game. The Nuggets also got to the line efficiently, making 20 of 25 free throws, and that added to their steady scoring base.

For Minnesota, the late push showed resilience, but the second and third quarters left too much ground to make up. The Timberwolves remained productive offensively, yet they could not consistently slow Denver’s interior creation and passing sequences.

Closing Context

The result keeps Denver alive in the Western Conference first-round matchup. Minnesota still leads the series 3-2, but the Nuggets protected home court and pushed the series to a Game 6. Denver is now 54-28 overall, while Minnesota is 49-33, and the pressure shifts back to the Timberwolves as the series continues.

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