Timberwolves 113, Nuggets 96: Minnesota Takes 2-1 Lead

The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 113-96 on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series, with Ayo Dosunmu leading Minnesota with 25 points and nine assists as the Timberwolves took control early and carried that edge through the night at Target Center.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Minnesota set the tone immediately with a 25-11 opening quarter. The Timberwolves were sharper on both ends, limiting Denver’s rhythm and forcing the Nuggets to work through a slow start offensively. That 14-point margin gave the home side early control and put pressure on Denver to chase the game.

Second Quarter

The Timberwolves kept their pace in the second, outscoring Denver 36-28 to take a 61-39 lead into halftime. Minnesota’s offense moved the ball well, reflected in its assist total, while Denver struggled to string together enough efficient possessions to cut into the gap. By the break, the game had clearly tilted toward the Timberwolves.

Third Quarter

Denver showed more life after halftime and edged Minnesota 29-27 in the third. Nikola Jokic continued to produce, and the Nuggets found a little more balance offensively, but the Timberwolves avoided a major swing. Minnesota still entered the fourth quarter ahead 88-68, keeping a comfortable cushion.

Fourth Quarter

The Nuggets again won the quarter, 28-25, but the deficit was too large to overcome. Minnesota stayed composed, managed the tempo, and prevented any serious late threat. The Timberwolves closed out a 17-point win without needing overtime.

Key Performers

Minnesota Timberwolves:
Ayo Dosunmu led Minnesota with 25 points and nine assists, delivering the team’s top all-around offensive performance. Rudy Gobert added 12 rebounds and helped Minnesota control the glass as the Timberwolves finished with a 53-40 rebounding advantage. As a team, Minnesota shot 47.3% from the field and recorded 31 assists on 44 made baskets.

Denver Nuggets:
Nikola Jokic was Denver’s top performer with 27 points and 15 rebounds, continuing to be the Nuggets’ most reliable source of offense. Jamal Murray led Denver with four assists, but the Nuggets managed only 12 assists as a team and shot 34.1% from the field.

NerdSports Stat: Minnesota had 31 assists to Denver’s 12 and still won comfortably despite making just 9 of 34 from three-point range, showing how thoroughly the Timberwolves controlled the game inside the arc and on the glass.

Game Analysis

This game was largely decided by Minnesota’s fast start and its consistency through the first half. The Timberwolves outscored the Nuggets 61-39 over the first two quarters, and that cushion changed the shape of the night. Denver was better in both second-half quarters, but the early hole was too deep.

Minnesota’s offensive balance stood out. Even without a huge three-point shooting night at 26.5%, the Timberwolves generated quality looks, finished at a higher rate overall, and kept the ball moving. Their 31 assists compared to Denver’s 12 reflected the difference in offensive flow.

The rebounding margin also mattered. Minnesota finished plus-13 on the boards, with Gobert leading the way and the rest of the lineup contributing to extra possessions and stronger defensive finishes. Denver did get to the free-throw line often, attempting 40 free throws, but its 28 made field goals and 25.0% shooting from three left too much ground to make up.

Jokic’s 27-point, 15-rebound effort kept Denver competitive in stretches, but the Nuggets needed more collective efficiency. When a team shoots 34.1% from the field in a road playoff game, it usually has very little margin for error, and Minnesota did not give away many openings.

Closing Context

With the win, Minnesota now leads the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series 2-1. The Timberwolves also improved to 49-33 overall after the result, while Denver fell to 54-28 overall. Game 3 showed Minnesota’s formula clearly: defend, rebound, move the ball, and build enough early separation to keep the Nuggets from dictating the pace.

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