Anybody who predicted the Denver Nuggets to out-duel the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs might begin to walk their take back.
Following Game 3, the Timberwolves picked up a second-straight win. They’ll return to their home court with a 2-1 lead over the third-seeded Nuggets.
There’s not a lot of confidence in the Nuggets right now from outsiders. Rudy Gobert is playing defense with a chip on his shoulder, causing Nikola Jokic to play some of his worst postseason basketball.
With that said, where are the Nuggets at in terms of their confidence? The veteran guard Christian Braun dished out some thoughts after Game 3.
Christian Braun Opens Up On The Nuggets
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 01: Michael Porter Jr. #1 and Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets react after a foul is called during the second quarter against the LA Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome on May 01, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
via Katy Winge, Altitude TV: Christian Braun on the Nuggets: âThis is a team that’s been there. This is a team that’s won a championshipâ¦There is no panic inside our locker room. I know there is panic outside of locker room.â Said everybody understands that Denver needs Game 4, and this is a mature team.
The Nuggets have the benefit of holding a core group of players who know what it’s like to win at the NBA’s highest level.
The organization has one of the longest active playoff streaks in the league. Experience is there for the Nuggets, but they aren’t facing some group of youngsters who are just happy to be in the Western Conference playoffs.
Denver’s head of the snake is Nikola Jokic. The triple-double leader does a little bit of everything, and it benefits his teammates. But when Jokic’s game isn’t all the way opened up, it becomes a notable issue for the Nuggets.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 125-123. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
In Game 2, the Nuggets fell short with a 119-114 loss. Jokic scored 24 points with a 17.0% drop in shooting accuracy compared to Game 1. He also dished out three fewer assists.
Game 3 turned out to be one of Jokic’s worst since appearing in the playoffs. Seeing the court for 35 minutes, the star center made just 26.9% of his 26 shots from the field. he scored an inefficient 27 points, while dishing out just three assists, and turning the ball over four times.
The rest of the team has felt the Timberwolves’ stellar defensive attack. On a personal level, Braun has averaged just 10 points while shooting 39.1% from the field. Overall, the Nuggets are barely shooting above 40% throughout the series.
The Nuggets will get a chance to return on Saturday, April 25, for Game 5.
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