The Denver Nuggets started out the postseason strong with a Game 1 in their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
As has been the case for the past few years, it was Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon leading the way for the Nuggets in Game 1 on Saturday.
Denver came into the series as the favorites to advance, but while they ended the first game with an 11-point victory, history shows they were expected to win that matchup. But now, heading into Game 2, recent Nuggets history points to them dropping the next contest, potentially putting themselves in a dangerous situation before the series heads back to Minnesota.
Nuggets Get Concerning News Before Game 2 Vs Timberwolves
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts 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.
According to the Nuggets’ playoff history, this stat, which was first reported by Bennett Durando of the Denver Post, the Jokic-Murray-Gordon-led squad is not expected to win Game 2 of the series against the Timberwolves.
“The Nuggets are 8-1 in Game 1s dating back to 2023. They’re also 1-4 in their last five Game 2s, the only win requiring a 20-point second half comeback at home and a buzzer beater,” he wrote in a post on X, which does track with their recent history in the postseason.
While that stat might sound a bit worrying, it could be a bit more specific than it looks on the surface. That 1-4 number in their last five Game 2’s goes back to the Nuggets 2023 Finals series against the Miami Heat, as since then, they haven’t made it past the second round.
However, before that, Denver had won their last three Game 2’s, so overall, in the last three playoffs, the Nuggets are 4-4 in Game 2’s.
Still, going up against a Timberwolves team that, when Anthony Edwards is healthy, can beat anybody in a seven-game series (as seen in their back-to-back conference finals appearances), just because the Nuggets won Game 1, it doesn’t mean this series will be a cake-walk.
Even though Edwards appears to still be nursing a lingering knee injury and isn’t at 100%, it’s not like Denver dominated all of the first game of the series. They still have Peyton Watson listed on the injury report, and will need another strong night from Jokic and Murray to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
In recent memory, the Nuggets’ Game 2 history is not on their side, but they have the chance to buck that trend on Monday night, when the two sides face off again.
Nuggets Players Up For End-Of-Season Awards
Outside of their current postseason run, the Nuggets finished the regular season in strong fashion once again, winning their last 12 games of the year.
To go along with that, three Denver players had some tip-tier seasons, and were nominated for end-of-season awards by the NBA.
Unsurprisingly, Jokic was named a finalist for the MVP award. He led the league in rebounds and assists for the first time in NBA history. He is not favored to win the award, but it was a historic season nonetheless. Jokic has finished top-two in MVP voting in each of the last five seasons, winning it on three ocassions.
Murray was also named a finalist for the Clutch Player of the Year award after capping off the best season of his career, averaging 25.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists on 48.3% shooting.
Tim Hardaway Jr. was announced as a finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year award, as coming off the bench for the Nuggets, he put up 13.5 points on 40.7% three-point shooting.
It remains to be seen if any of Denver’s players named finalists will actually win the respective awards they are up for, but still, an accomplishment regardless.
It was another strong season from the Nuggets, but it could all be for nothing if they lose to the Timberwolves in the first round. Game 2 carries a lot of weight, and it will be a major factor if Denver wants to recreate their run from 2023.
The Nuggets vs Timberwolves series continues on Monday, April 20, as Game 2 is slated for 8:30 pm MST and will be live on NBC and Peacock.
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