MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Denver Nuggets in six games in their Western Conference first-round series on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Minneapolis, ending Denver’s playoff run and sending the defending core led by Nikola Jokic into the offseason.
The Timberwolves won Game 6, 110-98, to clinch the series and advance, marking the first time in four seasons the Nuggets did not reach the month of May in the playoffs. Denver entered the postseason three years after winning the NBA championship.
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic finished Game 6 with 28 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. After the loss, he said the team was “far away” from contention following the first-round exit.
Minnesota’s defense limited Denver throughout the series. Center Rudy Gobert played a key role in containing Jokic, using length and positioning to challenge shots and disrupt Denver’s offense at multiple points in the series.
Denver guard Jamal Murray struggled offensively in Game 6, finishing 4-for-17 from the field and posting a game-worst minus-18 plus-minus rating. He said he did not convert shots he normally makes and said he did not perform at the level his team needed.
Denver also played portions of the series without forward Aaron Gordon, who missed three games due to a calf injury, and forward Peyton Watson, who missed the entire series with a hamstring injury. The Nuggets also faced Minnesota without key production from supporting players, as the team failed to reach 100 points in three games during the series.
Jokic said the team’s execution and shot-making contributed to the loss and said the Nuggets did not consistently convert opportunities. He also said he remains confident in the team’s two-man game with Murray.
Jokic, who will enter his 12th NBA season in 2026-27, said he intends to remain with Denver long term when asked about a potential contract extension.
“I still want to be Nuggets forever,” he said.
Denver coach David Adelman, in his first full season leading the team, said he took responsibility for the team’s performance. Jokic said he did not blame Adelman for the outcome and attributed the loss to player execution.
The Nuggets finished the regular season on a 12-game winning streak before entering the playoffs.
