Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Nuggets Secure No. 3 Seed with Win Over Spurs

4/13/2026

50 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Jokic Leads Denver

Nikola Jokic scored 23 points in the first half as Denver beat San Antonio 128-118, earning No. 3 seed.
Seven Nuggets reached double figures, and Julian Strawther added 25 points as Jokic logged 18 minutes to meet eligibility.
The Spurs’ three-game win streak ended, and they will face the No. 7 seed in their playoff opener.
Denver will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, starting Saturday.

Summary

Timberwolves Face Nuggets

The Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Denver Nuggets in the first-round playoffs, with the series starting Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
The Nuggets earned the No. 3 seed after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 128-118.
The Timberwolves earned the No. 6 seed and finished the regular season 49-33, marking the third playoff meeting in four years after Minnesota swept the Nuggets last year and Denver eliminated Minnesota in the 2023 first round.

History

Historical Context

The NBA expanded its playoff format in 1984, increasing the number of participating teams from 12 to 16 and changing the first round to a best-of-five series. This shift enhanced competition and fan engagement, allowing franchises like the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves to emerge as playoff contenders. The expansion marked a significant evolution in the league's structure, influencing playoff dynamics and team strategies.

1 of 3

Jokic Leads Denver

Nikola Jokic scored 23 points in the first half as Denver beat San Antonio 128-118, earning No. 3 seed.
Seven Nuggets reached double figures, and Julian Strawther added 25 points as Jokic logged 18 minutes to meet eligibility.
The Spurs’ three-game win streak ended, and they will face the No. 7 seed in their playoff opener.
Denver will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, starting Saturday.

1 / 3