Denver Nuggets Defeat Timberwolves 127-114 Without Edwards

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-114 on Monday night at Target Center, marking their first win against the Wolves this season. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 43 points, including a staggering 23 points in the third quarter.

Without Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, Minnesota struggled to hold off Denver’s offensive surge. Despite a strong start, the Wolves lost control of the game in the second half, allowing the Nuggets to outscore them by 16 points in the third quarter.

Nikola Jokic also had a notable performance for Denver, recording a triple-double with 25 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jaden McDaniels stepped up for Minnesota, finishing with 25 points, while Julius Randle added 24 points and Naz Reid scored 18 off the bench.

The Wolves briefly took the lead in the second quarter, 48-45, during Jokic’s six-minute rest. However, Denver quickly regained momentum, capitalizing on Minneapolis‘ defensive lapses. Murray’s offensive barrage in the third period proved pivotal as he dominated the Wolves’ defense.

Head coach Chris Finch expressed concern regarding the team’s defensive performance, especially without Edwards. The Timberwolves’ defensive rating ranks 27th in the NBA, and their ability to defend has been inconsistent, a critical issue as they look to improve their record.

“We’ve been extremely inconsistent defensively,” Finch said post-game. “We need more from our guys at the point of attack and at the rim.”

McDaniels, who had an efficient shooting night, acknowledged the struggle on the defensive end. “I’m not playing defense how I should, I guess,” he said when asked about Finch’s comments. “I feel like I play the same defense all the time, but obviously it’s not working.”

The Timberwolves, now with a 2-2 record, will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. Edwards’ absence raises questions for the team as they navigate their roster and defensive strategies going forward.