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Timberwolves Eliminate Nuggets as Jokic Mulls $207 M Deal

5/1/2026

30 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Timberwolves End Series

Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 110-98 in Game 6 in Minneapolis, ending Denver’s series run.
Nikola Jokic posted 28 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists on 11-of-19 shooting while Jamal Murray managed 12 points on 4-of-17, despite both teams missing key players.
Jokic said he wants to stay in Denver and will weigh a summer contract extension after rejecting a $207 million offer.

Summary

Timberwolves Secure Series

Jaden McDaniels predicted a “Wolves in six” after the Game 1 loss, using the comment to pressure Denver.
Terrence Shannon Jr., who had not played the first three games, started and posted a career-playoff-high 24 points, providing an unexpected scoring spark.
Minnesota’s interior dominance gave a 64-40 paint advantage and a 50-33 rebounding edge, a decisive factor in the Game 6 win.

Summary

Nuggets Favored

The Nuggets are a 6.5-point road favorite with moneylines from –250 to –282.
The Timberwolves are listed at +200 to +228.
About 67 % of moneyline tickets and 68 % of spread wagers back Denver.
The under is attracting roughly 68 % of tickets and 61 % of the betting handle.
SportsLine’s 10,000-simulation projects a 213-point total and gives the under a 70 % chance of hitting.

History

Historical Context

After the Detroit Pistons captured their third NBA title in 2004 by defeating the star-laden Los Angeles Lakers, the upset became a benchmark for underdog triumphs. In 2024 the Minnesota Timberwolves echoed that pattern, earning their franchise’s first playoff series win by beating the Denver Nuggets, reinforcing a recurring trend of lower-seed teams overturning expectations.

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Timberwolves End Series

Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 110-98 in Game 6 in Minneapolis, ending Denver’s series run.
Nikola Jokic posted 28 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists on 11-of-19 shooting while Jamal Murray managed 12 points on 4-of-17, despite both teams missing key players.
Jokic said he wants to stay in Denver and will weigh a summer contract extension after rejecting a $207 million offer.

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