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The Minnesota Timberwolves erased a 19-point first-quarter deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 119–114 on Monday night at Ball Arena, leveling the Western Conference first-round series at 1–1.
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 30 points, while Julius Randle added 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in a complete two-way performance.
Denver controlled the opening stretch, but Minnesota steadily cut into the lead behind increased rim pressure and second-chance production.
The Timberwolves finished with a 20–3 advantage in second-chance points, a key factor in sustaining their comeback.
Jamal Murray scored 30 points for Denver and Nikola Jokic delivered 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, but both struggled late.
The Nuggets’ star duo combined for just 4 points on 2-for-12 shooting in the fourth quarter, limiting Denver’s closing execution.
Minnesota trailed by 19 in the first quarter but responded with a disciplined shift toward attacking the paint instead of settling for jump shots.
Edwards set the tone by consistently driving into contact, forcing rotations that opened cleaner looks for teammates.
Murray kept Denver ahead before halftime, including a 51-foot buzzer-beater that tied the game at 64.
Jokic then controlled the third quarter with 16 points, helping Denver take a 93–90 lead entering the final period.
Minnesota’s momentum flipped in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter as possessions became more physical and direct.
With 31 seconds left, Edwards turned the ball over, giving Denver a late chance to extend the series lead.
Christian Braun was fouled on the next possession but missed one free throw, leaving the Nuggets ahead 115–114 with 19 seconds remaining.
After a Minnesota timeout, Randle calmly converted two free throws to push the Timberwolves back in front.
Donte DiVincenzo followed with a breakaway dunk that sealed the result and capped the road comeback.
Denver’s historic trend also ended, as the franchise had been 8–0 all-time when winning the first two games of a playoff series.
Minnesota now shifts the series back home for Game 3 in Minneapolis, where both teams will adjust to a tied matchup built on late-game execution and physical rebounding battles.
