The Minnesota Timberwolves have played the Denver Nuggets enough times to know what Nikola Jokic brings to the table. Still, Julius Randle and his teammates understand just how difficult he is to stop.
For years, the Timberwolves have been trying to crack the Jokic code. They haven’t been able to stop him, but even slowing the three-time MVP down has been too tall a task at times.
Last year, the Timberwolves found plenty of success against Jokic. They won all four of their regular-season games against Denver. This season, the Nuggets nearly pulled off the sweep as revenge.
Denver won their first three games against the Timberwolves. Minnesota bounced back and avoided the sweep by collecting a 117-108 win on March 1.
Julius Randle Gets Honest About Facing Jokic
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MAY 26: Julius Randle of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 26, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
With Nikola Jokic turning in another MVP-caliber year, Randle knows what’s coming their way for the next four to seven games. Are they ready for it?
The star forward dished his thoughts on guarding Jokic on Wednesday afternoon.
via Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic: Julius Randle on defending Jokic: “Probably gotta call God and talk to him for a little bit and ask him for a few favors. Itâs going to be a tough matchup. Heâs an incredible player. … Itâs going to be a battle, but weâre prepared. Weâre ready for it.”
In four games against the Timberwolves this season, Jokic averaged 35.8 points, 15.0 rebounds, and 11.3 assists.
Another MVP-Caliber Year For Jokic
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)
The Nuggets have been getting MVP-caliber seasons from Jokic for five years now. If all goes as expected with the voting, Jokic will be a six-time finalist for the 2025-2026 NBA season. He could be in line to win his fourth MVP award.
By just reaching the 65-game threshold, Jokic is eligible for season awards. This year, Jokic shot 56.9% from the field and 38.0% from deep.
The superstar center was posting averages of 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists. For the second season in a row, Jokic finished by averaging a triple-double.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MAY 26: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 26, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)
During the Nuggets’ playoff run last season, Jokic played in 14 games. The superstar center made 48.9% of his shots, producing 26.2 points per game.
Jokic and the Nuggets will take on Randle and the Timberwolves at 3:30 PM ET on Saturday for Game 1. The first two matchups will take place in Colorado, before the series switches to Minnesota on Thursday, April 23.
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