Behind 30 from Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic triple-double, Nuggets take Game 1 from Timberwolves 116-105
What was anticipated to be the best series of the first round lived up to the billing with a physical Game 1.
Game 1 showed why this was the most anticipated first-round series. It was physical. It was intense.
And these teams do not like each other, meeting in the playoffs for the third time in four years. Minnesota showed resilience ā a 21-8 run in the fourth quarter, capped off by an Ayo Dosunmu 3-pointer, made it a two-point game with 6:23 remaining. Then Denver showed a closing kick ā exactly what you expect of a former champion looking to add to its ring collection.
After that Dosunmu 3, Jokic scored 7 of his 25 on the night ā to go with 13 rebounds and 11 assists ā and he got some help from teammates. Cam Johnson CLUTCH Nuggets take an 11-pt lead with 53 seconds left. pic.
twitter. com/Ey94Xp5SsS ā NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) April 18, 2026 Denver pulled away for the 116-105 win at home to take a 1-0 lead in the most anticipated series of the first round. Game 2 is Monday night at 10:30 ET on NBC and Peacock.