Denver Nuggets Overcome Short-Handed Timberwolves to Win 127-114

Jamal Murray led a comeback charge with 23 of his 43 points in the third quarter, as the Denver Nuggets overpowered the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves 127-114 on Monday night. Nikola Jokic continued his impressive form, notching his third triple-double in three games this season with 25 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. The win marks a notable turnaround for the Nuggets, who lost all four of their regular-season games against the Timberwolves last year.

Key Takeaways:

• Jamal Murray scored 23 of his 43 points in the third quarter, leading the Nuggets to a 45-29 quarter that turned the game in their favor.
• Nikola Jokic achieved his third triple-double in three games this season with 25 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists.
• Jokic now holds 167 career triple-doubles, ranking him third on the NBA's all-time list.
• The Nuggets outscored the Timberwolves in the third quarter despite Minnesota's strong 65-57 halftime lead.
• The absence of Timberwolves' star guard Anthony Edwards, who was injured in Sunday's game, played a significant role in the Nuggets' victory.
• Reserve guard Jaylen Clark also missed the game with left calf tightness, further handicapping the Timberwolves' chances.

Statistics:

• Jamal Murray's 43 points were a team-high for the Nuggets, with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Peyton Watson contributing 20 and 12 points, respectively.
• Nikola Jokic's 25 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists gave him a triple-double, his third in three games this season.
• The Timberwolves were outscored 45-29 in the third quarter, erasing their eight-point halftime cushion.
• Minnesota's Anthony Edwards was injured in Sunday's game and also missed Monday's matchup, highlighting the team's depth concerns.
• The Nuggets improved to 1-0 against the Timberwolves this season, with their next matchup against Minnesota scheduled for Wednesday.

Sources:

• AP NBA: Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.