Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
Minnesota TimberwolvesOpen full analysis
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 112–96 on April 25 at Target Center, holding the defending champions well below the Vegas total of 228.5 points. Ayo Dosunmu led Minnesota with 43 points, supported by Naz Reid's 17, as the Timberwolves shot 43.8 percent from the field and made 9 three-pointers while forcing Denver into 10 turnovers. Denver's Jamal Murray scored 30 points and Nikola Jokić added 24, but the Nuggets managed only a 37.9 field-goal percentage and connected on just 6 threes, reflecting a sluggish offensive night. Minnesota's defense was suffocating in the fourth quarter, when Denver scored just 18 points, and the Timberwolves' 116.1 offensive rating combined with a 98.6 defensive rating proved decisive. Denver's 38 rebounds and 21 assists couldn't overcome their shooting struggles, while Minnesota dominated the glass with 50 boards and 22 assists. This road victory signals the Timberwolves' readiness to challenge Denver's standing in the Western Conference playoff race.
