Full Breakdown
Timberwolves Eliminate Nuggets in Game 6, Advance to West Semifinals
5/2/2026, 6:05:23 AM
Game 6 Elimination
On April 25, 2026, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 110-98 at the Target Center, clinching a 4-2 series win in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. The Wolves secured the victory by maintaining a lead after the second quarter and never relinquishing it, despite Denver’s late-game rally that narrowed the margin to three points.
Series Background & Injuries
Denver entered the postseason as the No. 3 seed after a 12-game regular-season winning streak, while Minnesota was the No. 6 seed. Both clubs entered Game 6 shorthanded: the Timberwolves were without Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, Ayo Dosunmu, and Kyle Anderson; the Nuggets were missing Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson. The injuries forced Minnesota to adopt a “big” five-forward lineup and compelled Denver to rely heavily on its starters.
Key Performers
- Jaden McDaniels (TIM) – 32 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals in 45 minutes; career-high scoring night.
- Terrence Shannon Jr. (TIM) – 24 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, providing a speed surge in the paint.
- Rudy Gobert (TIM) – Near triple-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists.
- Nikola Jokic (DEN) – 28 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists, his third consecutive near triple-double.
- Cameron Johnson (DEN) – 27 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, shooting 10-of-27 from three.
- Jamal Murray (DEN) – 12 points on 4-of-17 shooting, 0-of-2 from three, 40 minutes.
Statistical Overview
- Final score: 110-98 (TIM over DEN).
- Rebounding: 50-33 in favor of Minnesota; paint rebounds 64-40.
- Paint scoring: 64 points (TIM) vs. 40 points (DEN).
- Shooting: Denver’s three-point rate 10-of-27 (37 %); Minnesota’s interior efficiency 64-40.
- Turnovers: Minnesota limited Denver to 13 turnovers; Denver forced 12.
Impact & Next Steps
The loss ends Denver’s campaign two years after its 2023 championship, raising questions about roster depth and defensive cohesion. Minnesota advances to face the San Antonio Spurs, whose frontcourt will feature Victor Wembanyama and a defensively elite Rudy Gobert. The series underscores the growing parity in the West and the importance of adaptability when injuries strike.
Official Statements & Responses
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch emphasized that the team “took it personally” after Denver’s late-season scheduling choices, using that motivation throughout the series. David Adelman, Denver’s head coach, defended his rotation, stating the club “wasn’t ducking anybody” and that the injuries forced limited minutes for key players. Nikola Jokic placed responsibility on the collective, noting that the rebounding deficit “was all us.” Jamal Murray accepted personal blame, saying “this is on me” after his off-night.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts highlighted Denver’s “arrogance” in Game 2 and “lack of urgency” in Game 4 as early warning signs. Post-game commentary pointed to Murray’s unusually low shooting efficiency and the Nuggets’ failure to contest the boards, describing the performance as “dispiriting” and “a stark contrast to their regular-season form.” Critics also noted that the team’s defensive lapses allowed Minnesota to dominate the paint.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Most sources agree on the 50-33 rebounding margin, but a few reports list Jokic’s rebounds as nine while others cite ten, reflecting minor statistical variance. Detailed timelines of each injury’s onset remain sparse, leaving a gap in understanding how roster adjustments evolved throughout the series.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just didn’t care, I said what I said,” — Jaden McDaniels, Timberwolves forward
- “Our guys took it personally. Denver had the chance to pick who they wanted to play coming down the stretch and they chose us,” — Chris Finch, Timberwolves head coach
- “This is on me,” — Jamal Murray, Nuggets guard
- “It’s not his fault that we couldn’t rebound,” — Nikola Jokic, Nuggets center
- “We weren’t ducking anybody,” — David Adelman, Nuggets head coach
