DENVER (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves continued their impressive run by defeating the Denver Nuggets 115-95 on March 12, 2025, extending their winning streak to six games. The Timberwolves controlled the tempo from the start and showcased outstanding performances from key players, solidifying their position as contenders.
Leading the attack was Anthony Edwards, who scored 29 points along with six assists and four rebounds. Julius Randle complemented him with 25 points on 9-for-12 shooting, demonstrating his versatility and scoring ability. Randle's contributions were particularly notable as they didn’t just help maintain the lead but also set the tone early, allowing Minnesota to jump out to a significant advantage.
The Timberwolves seemed to have perfected their game as they moved through each quarter, exhibiting offensive balance and defensive resilience. Jaden McDaniels also made significant contributions, chipping in 16 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert solidified his presence under the basket with 11 points and 10 rebounds, effectively contesting shots from Denver's star player, Nikola Jokic.
Despite Jokic's standout performance with 34 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, the Nuggets struggled overall. Jamal Murray faced significant challenges throughout the match, finishing with only 12 points on 4-of-15 shooting. The Timberwolves managed to close out the game with confidence as the Nuggets coach, Michael Malone, withdrew his starters with just over five minutes remaining, indicating the game's outcome was all but settled.
This matchup marked the third victory for Minnesota against Denver this season, and it reflected their growth since the previous year’s playoffs. Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley remarked, “It felt similar to last year,” highlighting the intensity and mindset the team brought to Ball Arena, which is infamous for its tough crowd.
The team’s dynamics had significantly improved, as they capitalized on Denver's absence of Aaron Gordon due to injury, highlighting how their roster's adjustments had paid off. With every passing game and the increasing health of their players, the Timberwolves appear to have developed excellent chemistry on the court. Rudy Gobert stated, “We came a long way in our chemistry,” emphasizing the positive evolution of their team as they enter the home stretch of the season.
Coach Chris Finch praised Randle's role, saying, “He’s been such a great playmaker for us. But he has the ability to go get a bucket when we give him the ball.” Randle’s early scoring helped momentum shift toward Minnesota, making it difficult for Denver, which had no answer to the Timberwolves' aggressive style of play.
Edwards also played with newfound confidence. After earlier frustrations with double teams, he successfully navigated Denver’s defenses, helping to orchestrate the Timberwolves' offense. “It’s just little reads, man,” he noted after the game as he described how watching film of players like Luka Doncic has improved his on-court awareness.
The win not only signifies another step forward for the Timberwolves but paints them as serious contenders as they seek to avoid the play-in tournament and aim for direct entry to the playoffs. Finch acknowledged the team’s necessity to maintain focus, stating, “When we play these top teams... we tend to take it personally. We have to do it all the time.”
Looking forward, the Timberwolves and their fans can feel optimistic about the remainder of the season, especially with upcoming games against various teams before facing the Nuggets again on April 1. This momentum is pivotal for maintaining their current streak and confirming their playoff positioning.
With the next few matches lined up against teams of mixed standings, it becomes all the more important for Minnesota to keep their heads up and continue applying the same level of intensity and commitment they showed against Denver.
Despite this win feeling especially significant, it remains to be seen how the Timberwolves will respond when matched against lower-ranked teams or when they regain momentum after tough matches. They will need to adapt and bring the same energy consistently.
Minnesota is poised for continued improvement, not just by winning but by developing their strategic execution and ensuring their key players, such as Edwards, Randle, and Gobert, remain healthy and productive as the playoff race heats up.
With their eye on the postseason, Timberwolves' fans can eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for their revitalized and competitive team.