During Game 1 between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves, the latter squad got off to a hot start. With a goal to slow down the MVP candidate, Nikola Jokic, Rudy Gobert, and the Timberwolves posed a real threat with their defensive attack early on.
Once adjustments were made by Denver, the game shifted. Nikola Jokic didn’t go off in the scoring department, as he tends to do against Minnesota, but he had a signature triple-double, which got the job done.
The Nuggets center dropped 25 points, along with putting up 13 rebounds and 11 assists.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 25: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena on December 25, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
Despite the triple-double and the win, the Nuggets seemingly haven’t hit the Timberwolves’ confidence at all after one game. Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels assessed Rudy Gobert’s game against Jokic and the Nuggets and sent a clear message about his center’s performance.
Timberwolves Star Sends Clear Message to Nuggets
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 08: Anthony Edwards #5, Jaden McDaniels #3 and Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves react during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Target Center on January 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
via Dane Moore on X: Asked Jaden McDaniels about Rudy Gobert’s Game 1 — defending Jokic and helping the offense.
“That’s all Rudy. Rudy did a good job the whole game just guarding him and taking the challenge. And that’s what we need every time we play against Jokic is Rudy coming to compete. That’s the best game we had from Rudy all year… Both ends he did a good job. If he keep doing that, we gonna win.”
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 07: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on November 07, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Gobert wrapped up the game with one steal and 10 rebounds on the defensive end of the floor. Offensively, the veteran center produced 17 points and two assists.
The big man’s performance wasn’t enough to will the Timberwolves to a win, but they clearly feel like they are in a good spot heading into Game 2.
The Nuggets Are In A Good Spot
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 21: Nikola JokiÄ #15 of the Denver Nuggets in action during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Despite the Timberwolves oozing with confidence, the Nuggets are in a good spot.
They still have the home-court advantage and can head into Minnesota with a two-game lead if all goes well on Monday, April 20.
The Timberwolves and the Nuggets are scheduled for a 10:30 PM ET tip on Monday. The game will mark the sixth meeting between the two teams this year. Denver has won four out of five so far.
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