Denver Nuggets Rally Past Short-handed Timberwolves Behind Jokic’s Triple-Double
The Denver Nuggets overcame a sluggish start and a late push from the Minnesota Timberwolves to secure a 127-114 victory Monday night. Denver benefited from a dominant performance by Nikola Jokic, who posted his third triple-double in as many games this season, while Jamal Murray exploded in the second half to seal the win. Minnesota, hampered by injuries, pressed the Nuggets but could not keep pace after the third-quarter surge.
Jokic Delivers Yet Another Triple-Double
Jokic finished with 25 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists, marking his 167th career triple-double and solidifying his place among the NBA’s all-time leaders. The Slovenian center did most of his damage in the paint and through playmaking, orchestrating Denver’s offense as the Timberwolves’ defense tried to limit his impact. Jokic’s steady production kept Denver in striking distance through the first half and provided the cushion needed late in the game.
Critically Timed Third Quarter
The turning point came early in the third period. Jamal Murray opened the quarter with five quick points, including a jumper and a 3-pointer, and then connected on his third 3 of the frame to flip the game with Denver ahead 79-78. Murray finished with 43 points on 16-of-29 shooting and five triples, displaying the scoring punch that has long anchored Denver’s offense.
Denver’s Depth Shines, Even Without Edwards
The Nuggets benefited from strong perimeter shooting, with powerful contributions from Tim Hardaway Jr. (20 points) and Peyton Watson (12). The pair helped extend the lead late in the third and into the fourth, keeping Minnesota at arm’s length as Denver built a 102-94 edge after three. Watson, in particular, supplied back-to-back corner 3s during a 10-0 stretch that pushed the cushion to 104-94, silencing a late Minnesota run.
Timberwolves Play Short-handed, But Fight
Minnesota came in shorthanded without Anthony Edwards, who was ruled out for at least a week with a strained right hamstring after injuring it the previous night against Indiana. Reserve guard Jaylen Clark also sat out with left calf tightness. Even with their star out, the Timberwolves showed resilience, led by Jaden McDaniels with 25 points, Julius Randle scoring 24, and Naz Reid adding 18. The team kept things competitive through the first half, carrying a 65-57 lead into the break before Denver’s decisive push.
Momentum Shifts and the Late Burn
After the third-quarter surge, Minnesota briefly trimmed the gap to 104-101, but Watson answered with eight points in a decisive 10-0 run to reassert Denver’s control. The Nuggets consistently found offense from multiple sources, leveraging Jokic’s playmaking and Murray’s scoring prowess to negate the missing Edwards’ average-night impact. Denver’s bench and role players supplied enough depth to weather a late Wolves’ rally and finish with a comfortable margin.
What’s Next
Denver now hosts New Orleans in their next contest, while Minnesota welcomes the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. The Timberwolves will hope Edwards returns soon and the team can regroup after the extended absence of their star guard and the recent health concerns across the roster.
