The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 110-98 in Game 6 of the first round of the NBA playoffs on May 1, 2026. This victory marked a stunning upset as the Timberwolves were missing three key players due to injuries.
Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with a career-high 32 points. His defensive efforts also played a crucial role in limiting the Nuggets’ scoring opportunities. Terrence Shannon Jr. contributed significantly, scoring 24 points after being moved to the starting lineup.
Nikola Jokic, who is widely regarded as a top contender for MVP, scored 28 points, along with 10 assists and 9 rebounds for the Nuggets. However, his performance could not secure a win for his team. Jamal Murray struggled, finishing with only 12 points on 4-for-17 shooting.
The Timberwolves outscored the Nuggets in the paint by a significant margin, 64-40. This dominance inside was pivotal in their victory. Coach Chris Finch remarked, “Our guys took it personal,” highlighting their determination despite missing key players like Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo.
This win allowed the Timberwolves to advance to the Western Conference semifinals for the third consecutive season. They became the first team in NBA playoff history to win a game while missing three players averaging 10 points or more in the series.
The Nuggets had entered the playoffs on a high note, finishing the regular season with 12 consecutive victories. Their unexpected exit raises questions about their performance under pressure.
The Timberwolves will now face the San Antonio Spurs in their next playoff matchup. The outcome of this series will be closely watched as they aim for deeper playoff success.
