The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 112-96 on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Game 4 of their first-round NBA playoff series, with Ayo Dosunmu leading all scorers with 43 points as Minnesota erased a halftime deficit and took control over the final 24 minutes at Target Center.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Denver opened with a slight edge and carried a 23-22 lead after one. The Nuggets were efficient early enough to stay in front, while Minnesota kept pace and prevented the game from getting away despite trailing for most of the period.

Second Quarter

The Nuggets built on that start in the second, outscoring the Timberwolves 31-28 to take a 54-50 lead into halftime. Jamal Murray helped drive Denver’s offense, and Nikola Jokic continued to organize the attack as the visitors entered the break in a solid position.

Third Quarter

Minnesota changed the game in the third. The Timberwolves outscored Denver 32-24 in the period, tightened up defensively, and generated better balance on the offensive end. By the end of the quarter, the Timberwolves had flipped a four-point halftime deficit into an 82-78 lead.

Fourth Quarter

The final period was decisive. Minnesota outscored Denver 30-18 in the fourth, holding the Nuggets to 18 points while extending the margin possession by possession. Dosunmu’s scoring, steady rebounding from Rudy Gobert, and efficient free-throw shooting helped the Timberwolves pull away late.

Key Performers

Minnesota Timberwolves
Ayo Dosunmu delivered the biggest performance of the night with 43 points to lead all scorers. Rudy Gobert added 15 rebounds, helping Minnesota finish with a 50-38 advantage on the glass. Bones Hyland led the Timberwolves with seven assists as Minnesota recorded 22 assists as a team.

Denver Nuggets
Jamal Murray scored 30 points to pace Denver. Nikola Jokic finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, narrowly missing a triple-double while also contributing three steals. Still, Denver’s overall offense faded after halftime.

NerdSports Stat: Minnesota won this game by 16 despite trailing at halftime, then closed on a 62-42 second half while making 25 of 26 free throws and finishing plus-12 on the boards.

Game Analysis

This game shifted on efficiency and control in the second half. Denver finished at 37.9% from the field and just 21.4% from three-point range, making only six of 28 attempts from deep. Minnesota was not dominant from the field at 43.8%, but it consistently found enough offense and made up the difference with rebounding, free-throw execution, and a much stronger finish.

The Timberwolves also did a better job sustaining their pressure over the final two quarters. After allowing 54 first-half points, Minnesota gave up only 42 after the break. That defensive improvement changed the tone of the game and limited Denver’s ability to answer once the lead changed hands.

Gobert’s work on the glass gave Minnesota extra possessions, and Dosunmu’s scoring gave the home team a reliable source of offense throughout the night. Denver remained within reach entering the fourth, but the Timberwolves’ 30-point closing quarter separated the teams clearly.

Closing Context

With the win, Minnesota now leads the series 3-1 in this Western Conference first-round matchup and is one victory away from advancing. The Timberwolves improved to 49-33 overall in the season context provided, while Denver, listed at 54-28 overall, now faces elimination heading into Game 5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets game on April 25, 2026?

Minnesota Timberwolves defeated Denver Nuggets 112-96 on April 25, 2026.

How many points did Ayo Dosunmu score?

Ayo Dosunmu scored 43 points on efficient overall shooting.

What are Minnesota Timberwolves’s standings after this game?

After the win, Minnesota Timberwolves sits 49-33 in the Western Conference.

Who was the best player in the game?

Ayo Dosunmu was the standout performer with 43 points, leading Minnesota’s second-half turnaround.