The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 110-98 in Game 6 of the first round of the playoffs on May 4, 2026. This victory allowed them to advance to the Western Conference semifinals. Notably, they achieved this win while missing key players due to injuries.
Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with an impressive performance, scoring 32 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Rudy Gobert also contributed significantly with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. Terrence Shannon Jr. added 24 points in his first career playoff start.
The Timberwolves were without their starting backcourt, including Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo. Meanwhile, the Nuggets missed Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson. This marked a historic moment for the Timberwolves, as they became the first team in NBA playoff history to win a game while missing three players averaging 10 points or more.
Nuggets star Nikola Jokić acknowledged his team’s struggles, stating they are “far away” from title contention after their early playoff exit. Chris Finch, head coach of the Timberwolves, noted that they used the Nuggets’ decision to face them as motivation throughout the series. “Our guys took it personal,” Finch said.
The Timberwolves outscored the Nuggets in the paint 64-40, showcasing their dominance inside despite their injuries. Observers now look toward their next challenge against the San Antonio Spurs.
The rivalry between these teams has intensified over recent seasons, making this victory even sweeter for Minnesota fans. As they prepare for the semifinals, questions remain about how their current roster will perform against a strong Spurs team.