DENVER -- The Minnesota Timberwolves continued their impressive run, defeating the Denver Nuggets 115-95 on March 12, 2025, at Ball Arena. Led by Anthony Edwards, who scored 29 points, and Julius Randle, who contributed 25 points, the Timberwolves extended their winning streak to six games.
Rudy Gobert showcased his dual-threat capability with 11 points and 10 rebounds, helping Minnesota maintain their strong form. Donte DiVincenzo added 10 points as the Timberwolves' bench outperformed Denver's reserves, scoring 26 points compared to the Nuggets' 14.
Despite Nikola Jokic's game-high 34 points and 8 rebounds, the Nuggets struggled tremendously, finishing the game with only 40.4% shooting. The Timberwolves' defense was relentless, forcing Denver to shoot poorly and limiting them to just 20 assists and 52 points in the paint, well below their league-leading average.
Jamal Murray faced significant challenges, registering only 12 points on 4-of-15 shooting. His struggles were indicative of Denver’s lack of offensive cohesion throughout the game, and his inability to create space or capitalize on opportunities played a pivotal role.
"All five, they beat us pretty easily," Jokic admitted, reflecting on the Timberwolves' dominance over the Nuggets. This loss marks Minnesota's fifth consecutive win against Denver, extending back to the second round of last year's Western Conference playoffs. The Timberwolves have managed to expose weaknesses within the Nuggets' play style, effectively neutralizing their strengths. According to Jokic, the Nuggets must make adjustments: "We need to do a good job against them. I don't know what, but it seems like we are not playing well against them," he acknowledged.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was visibly frustrated with his team's performance, especially after competing vigorously against the Oklahoma City Thunder just days prior. While he offered some grace explaining Denver's fatigue, he lamented about the lack of energy against the Timberwolves saying, "It just felt we were a step slow tonight, and that's understandable. That's what I was telling myself. You look at what I’ve been asking, especially of our players as of late. That’s a lot."
The tough matchup posed by the Timberwolves has taken its toll on the Nuggets. Their recent games demonstrate the intensity required of Jokic, who, even with his individual brilliance, poured effort only to be stifled by the Timberwolves' defensive strategies. Scoring heavily from the field is one thing; being defended against so relentlessly is another. Minnnesota is adept at forcing Jokic to make difficult plays and spreading pressure across his teammates, which only compounds Denver's problems.
Jokic's stats tell part of the story: he took 23 shots Wednesday night to achieve his 34 points, but he managed only four assists, highlighting how the Timberwolves effectively limited his involvement with setting up scoring opportunities for other players. The also showcased their ability to exploit their offensive matchups, moving players like Julius Randle and Naz Reid around to drive past Jokic on the dribble.
This loss exemplifies the pressing issues facing the Nuggets as they look toward the playoffs. Enhancing their effectiveness against Minnesota seems to be primary. Denver has to find additional offensive contributors beyond Jokic, especially with Jamal Murray struggling through the game without finding consistent separation or quality shooting opportunities. Murray’s session heightens when tasked with facing the Wolves' well-structured defense.
"They are a good team," Jokic remarked about the Timberwolves. With such highly capable players, they have the versatility to defend standout players like Murray effectively, maximizing their game strategy against Denver. Without the ability to score efficiently, the Nuggets lack the depth necessary to close out games against teams of this caliber.
Looking forward, the playoff picture looms large. Despite the challenges they've faced against Minnesota, this performance will have been instructive for both teams as they navigate what could very well be future matches come playoff time. For Denver, securing the health and productivity of players like Aaron Gordon could be pivotal. His strength allows him to contribute defensively against players like Randle and Reid, as well as serve as a foundational link between Jokic and Murray.
With both teams scheduled to play again on Friday, the Timberwolves will host the Orlando Magic, whereas the Nuggets will battle the Los Angeles Lakers. Each team understands the importance of this regular season segment, but for Minnesota, the advantage established may well define their advance toward postseason play.
This large victory gives the Timberwolves not only confidence but the mental edge needed as the rivalry heats up, presenting the Nuggets with pressing questions to answer as they prepare for future matchups. The Nuggets now have more than just the scoreboard to contend with; they must find solutions for the nuances built by the Timberwolves within head-to-head encounters.