On May 4, 2026, the Minnesota Timberwolves made waves in the NBA playoffs by defeating the Denver Nuggets 110-98 at Target Center. This victory allowed them to advance to the Western Conference semifinals despite missing key players.
Jaden McDaniels shone brightly, scoring 32 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. His performance was critical, especially considering that the Timberwolves were without their starting backcourt — Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo — due to injuries. Coach Chris Finch remarked, “Our guys took it personal,” highlighting their determination to prove themselves against a Nuggets team that opted to face them in the first round.
The Timberwolves made history by becoming the first team in NBA playoff history to win a game while missing three players averaging over 10 points. They dominated in the paint, outscoring the Nuggets 64-40. Rudy Gobert added valuable contributions with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists.
The Nuggets also faced challenges; they were missing key players Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson. After their early playoff exit, Nikola Jokić candidly stated that the Nuggets are “far away” from title contention. This acknowledgment raises questions about their future direction and roster changes.
Key performances:
- Jaden McDaniels: 32 points, 10 rebounds
- Rudy Gobert: 10 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists
- Terrence Shannon Jr.: 24 points in his first career playoff start
The Timberwolves now look ahead to facing the San Antonio Spurs in the next round of the playoffs. Observers are curious about how they will perform against a stronger opponent with a more complete roster. The Timberwolves’ ability to maintain momentum despite injuries will be critical.
This unexpected victory not only boosts team morale but also sets a precedent for future playoff resilience. With Chris Finch’s coaching strategy coming into play, fans are eager to see how far this underdog team can go.