The Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Denver Nuggets from the NBA playoffs on April 30, 2026, at the Target Center in Minnesota. This victory came despite significant injuries to key players, including Anthony Edwards.
The Timberwolves entered Game 6 with a 3-2 series lead. They had previously taken a commanding 3-1 lead before the Nuggets won Game 5. In that game, Jamal Murray scored 30 points, showcasing his ability to lead Denver.
However, Game 6 saw a stark contrast in performance from Murray. He managed only 12 points, shooting just 4-17 from the field. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic delivered a strong performance with 28 points, nine rebounds, and ten assists.
The Nuggets were favored by 7.5 points heading into this critical match. The over/under for total points was set at 224.5. Yet, despite these expectations and their higher seed, Denver fell short.
Key statistics from Game 6:
- Nuggets’ defense ranked 21st in the league during the regular season.
- Jamal Murray’s shooting struggles included going 0-2 from three-point range.
- Nikola Jokic’s performance was noted as one of his best in elimination games.
This marks only the second time in Jokic’s career that he has been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. The loss is particularly disappointing for Denver after their strong showing in previous seasons.
The Timberwolves advance with momentum but face challenges ahead without Edwards. His absence due to a knee injury raises questions about their depth moving forward.
