The Denver Nuggets outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105 despite a slow start in the opener of the first-round playoff series.
Jamal Murray led Denver with 30 points, including 16 of 16 from the line, while Nikola Jokic tallied a triple-double of 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.
The Nuggets have won 13 straight since losing on March 18.
There were 42 fouls called, along with an unsportsmanlike technical on Jaden McDaniels for pushing Jokic in the back and a technical on Nuggets coach David Adelman. Julius Randle and Aaron Gordon picked up late technical fouls.
Denver trailed by as many as 12 points early, but used a 17-2 run in the third quarter to build a double-digit lead.
On the other hand, Anthony Edwards led the Wolves with 22 points and seven assists while playing on a sore right knee.
The Timberwolves went scoreless for more than 4 minutes at one point in the third, then trimmed the deficit to 97-95 with 6:23 left.
Gordon slams after Murray had a shot from halfcourt, giving them a 108-101 edge with 1:50 left.
These teams are so evenly matched that the Nuggets lead 15-14 in regular-season and playoff matchups since the 2022-23 season.
Both have won a playoff series against each other during the stretch.
Game 2 on Monday night.
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