The atmosphere was electric in downtown Minneapolis on Saturday as the Minnesota Timberwolves revived their beloved Prince-themed jerseys and showcased a new court design during a matchup against the Denver Nuggets. However, the excitement was quickly dampened as the Timberwolves faced a tough start, falling behind by ten points reminiscent of their initial meeting with the Nuggets earlier this season. Despite missing key players Christian Braun and Cam Johnson, the Wolves struggled to halt Denver’s offensive momentum, trailing 17-7.
As the first half progressed, Minnesota’s defense began tightening, particularly against star player Nikola Jokić, who managed only seven points before halftime. This shift allowed the Timberwolves to rally, with Naz Reid leading the charge by scoring 17 points in the first half. The Wolves turned the game around, entering halftime with a narrow 60-55 lead.
The Wolves’ advantage didn’t last long after the break, as Jokić quickly matched his first-half performance, scoring seven points in quick succession to help the Nuggets regain the lead. The Timberwolves had a window of opportunity early in the fourth quarter while Jokić rested, but crucial missed shots allowed Denver to extend their lead. Ultimately, Minnesota’s efforts fell short, and they suffered a 123-112 defeat, ending their four-game winning streak.
In a notable performance, Anthony Edwards, who has typically excelled against the Nuggets, struggled during the game. He scored 26 points but shot just 8-for-23 from the field and missed all eight of his attempts from beyond the arc. Despite getting to the free-throw line 12 times and contributing six assists, Edwards acknowledged his struggles, stating, “I just gotta make my shots. Just that simple, yeah, I just missed a bunch of shots.”
The Timberwolves’ challenges were compounded by their inability to take advantage of minutes when Jokić was off the court and the explosive performance of Tim Hardaway Jr., who netted 23 points for the Nuggets. The loss highlighted a concerning trend for Minnesota, as they now hold an 0-5 record against teams with a .500 or better record.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves will aim to bounce back in their next game against the struggling Dallas Mavericks on Monday, November 17, at 7:00 PM CT. This match will be a crucial opportunity for Minnesota to regroup and refocus as they seek to reclaim their momentum during this homestand.