24 Apr 2026

Timberwolves 113-96 Nuggets: Minnesota Take Control of the Series

Minnesota took charge early and never let go. The Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 113-96 at Target Center in Game 3 of the Western Conference first round, pushing the series to 2-1. In front of 18,978 fans, Minnesota led for 46:30 of game time and held a biggest lead of 27.

Fast start puts Minnesota in control

The Timberwolves opened 25-11 in the first quarter and carried a 61-39 lead into halftime. Denver never led at any point. Minnesota’s defense held the Nuggets to 3 of 21 shooting in the first quarter and 34 percent from the field overall.

Ball movement and rebounding told the story. Minnesota finished with a 31-12 edge in assists and won the glass 53-40, including 12 offensive rebounds to Denver’s 6. Even with a free throw disadvantage, the Wolves stayed comfortable.

Dosunmu leads a balanced attack

Ayo Dosunmu set the tone off the bench with 25 points and 9 assists on 10 of 15 shooting, earning a Sofascore Rating of 8.7, the game’s best. Jaden McDaniels posted a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double on 9 of 13 with a Sofascore Rating of 8.1.

Rudy Gobert anchored the paint with 10 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. Julius Randle added 15 points and 4 assists. Donte DiVincenzo filled up the box score with 15 points, 7 assists and 4 steals, and capped the night with a late three and fast-break layup that sealed it.

Jokić scores 27, but Nuggets’ shooting stalls

Nikola Jokić put up 27 points and 15 rebounds and went 11 of 11 at the line. The tough part was from the floor. He shot 7 of 26 overall and 2 of 10 from three. Jamal Murray finished with 16 points on 5 of 17.

Denver lived at the stripe with 40 free throw attempts and made 32. The field goals did not follow. The Nuggets hit 28 of 82 and 8 of 32 from three. Zeke Nnaji was a bright spot with 10 points on perfect 2 of 2 shooting and 5 of 6 at the line.

Numbers that matter

– Minnesota shooting: 44 of 93 from the field, 35 of 59 on twos, 9 of 34 on threes
– Denver shooting: 28 of 82 from the field, 20 of 50 on twos, 8 of 32 on threes
– Rebounds: Timberwolves 53, Nuggets 40
– Assists: Timberwolves 31, Nuggets 12
– Biggest lead: Timberwolves by 27

On Sofascore, Dosunmu led all players with a Sofascore Rating of 8.7, followed by McDaniels and DiVincenzo at 8.1. For Denver, Nnaji posted a 7.5 while Jokić checked in at 6.9. You can find full box score details and live momentum charts on Sofascore.

Minnesota’s combination of shot creation, extra possessions and perimeter defense built a cushion early and kept it. The series shifts with the Timberwolves up 2-1 and the momentum firmly in Minneapolis.