Full Breakdown
Denver Nuggets Stare at Elimination as Minnesota Takes 3-1 Series Lead
4/28/2026, 7:12:56 AM
Series Overview: 3-1 Deficit After Game 4
The Denver Nuggets entered the 2026 NBA playoffs as a top seed but fell behind the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-1 in the first-round series after four games. Game 4 ended with a Timberwolves victory; sources list the final score as either 112-96 (Eurohoops, Heavy.com) or 110-96 (NBC). The loss placed Denver on the brink of a sweep and set up a must-win Game 5 in Denver.
Key Factors and Injury Landscape
Denver’s offense has collapsed. Center Nikola Jokic is shooting under 40 % from the field and 18.5 % from three, with a 0-6 fourth-quarter line in Game 4. The team is 28.5 % from three and averages 9.8 made threes per game, the lowest three-point rate in the playoffs. Guard Jamal Murray, who hit 43.5 % from three in the regular season, is down to 26.5 % in the postseason.
Tim Hardaway Jr. shot 3-10 overall and 0-6 from deep; Christian Braun scored eight points on 2-4 shooting; Aaron Gordon added nine points on 4-11 while dealing with a calf issue; Cameron Johnson posted 10 points on 22.2 % three-point shooting. Minnesota lost Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) in Game 4; Denver’s Aaron Gordon and forward Peyton Watson remain questionable with calf and hamstring injuries.
Statistical Snapshot
Jokic: 25 pts, 14.5 reb, 7.8 ast per game; 39 % FG, 5-of-27 (18.5 %) from three.
Nuggets: 40 % FG, 28.5 % 3P; 14th in three-point makes (9.8 per game).
Murray: 26.5 pts per game, 26.5 % from three.
Ayo Dosunmu (Timberwolves): 43 pts, 5-of-5 from three in Game 4.
Rudy Gobert’s defense: Nuggets outscored by 23 pts when Jokic is on the floor; Wolves are +7 pts in Gobert’s minutes.
Official League Action
The NBA fined Nikola Jokic $50,000 and Julius Randle $35,000 for their roles in the Game 4 altercation and issued technical fouls. No suspensions were levied, leaving Jokic eligible for Game 5 (statement by James Jones, EVP of Basketball Operations).
Criticism and Opposition
Nuggets head coach David Adelman expressed displeasure with Jaden McDaniels’ final-minute basket. Jokic said he was upset because the play halted the game and affirmed he had no regrets about his reaction. Timberwolves veteran Mike Conley claimed responsibility for the pass that set up the shot, describing it as a slip-up. McDaniels defended his decision, arguing the clock was still running.
On-Court Incident and Reporting Discrepancies
With 1.3 seconds left, McDaniels scored an uncontested layup, prompting Jokic to confront him. Julius Randle entered the fray, resulting in technical fouls and ejections for both. Sources differ on the exact final margin—some report 112-96, others 110-96—creating a minor reporting gap.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Because he scored and everybody stopped playing,” — Nikola Jokic, Nuggets center
- “I don't regret it,” — Nikola Jokic, Nuggets center
- “I didn't like what McDaniels did,” — David Adelman, Nuggets head coach
- “Nah, that was a slip up; that’s all on me. I take the blame,” — Mike Conley, Timberwolves guard
What’s Next: Game 5 Outlook
Game 5 is scheduled for Monday night in Denver. The Nuggets must reverse the shooting slump and manage injuries, while Jokic remains eligible despite the fine. A win forces a decisive Game 6; a loss ends Denver’s title defense.
