Timberwolves eliminate Nuggets in a commanding Game 6 performance, winning 110–98 to claim their Western Conference first-round playoff series 4–2. Minnesota now advances to the semi-finals, where they will face the young and dynamic San Antonio Spurs.
A Hard-Fought Series Comes to a Close
After weeks of intense playoff basketball, the Timberwolves eliminate Nuggets in one of the more physical and emotional series of this post-season. Minnesota dominated the first half of Game 6, establishing a 5750 lead at the break as Denver’s Nikola Jokic unleashed a personal run in the third quarter, tallying 14 points to bring the Nuggets back into the game.
The Timberwolves managed to withstand the nerve in the final moments, even though Jokic scored an impressive 28 points and 10 assists. Denver just did not have enough to be able to close the gap at the right time, and Minnesota did secure the victory to proceed.
McDaniels Delivers a Career Night
The Minnesota star was Jaden McDaniels who scored a career-high 32 points in the pivotal game. The fact that he can score in various parts of the court played a key role in making sure that the Timberwolves will win against the Nuggets without having to depend on one individual to be the man.
Optimism is also building regarding whether Anthony Edwards can come back to his team before the opener on Monday against the Spurs due to an injury. The Timberwolves eliminate Nuggets even without their star operating at full strength – a worrying sign for any remaining Western Conference contender.
As Jokic himself admitted after the defeat: “I needed to play better. I must play better.” It was a candid and honest reflection from a three-time MVP who simply could not do enough to keep Denver’s season alive.
Controversy on the Court
The series will also be remembered for its flashpoints. At a little less than ten minutes left in Game 6, Jokic and Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark engaged in a shoving match that led to both being hit with technical fouls, plus Naz Reid who was also involved in the conflict. This came after Jokic was ejected in Game 4 due to instigating another altercation- an unusual streak of a temper tantrum by the normally calm Serbian superstar.
These events provided a bonus to an already highly competitive series, but ended up not really hurting Minnesota progress to the next round.
What’s Next for Minnesota?
With the Timberwolves eliminate Nuggets and the semi-final secured, the focus is now on the game with the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs present a very different kind of challenge, built around the generational talent of Victor Wembanyama. Monday’s opener will be an early indicator of whether Minnesota’s physicality and depth can overcome San Antonio’s length and pace.
Elsewhere in the playoffs, the New York Knicks demolished the Atlanta Hawks 140–89 – a 51-point margin that set a franchise record in post-season play – and will face either the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers, with that series heading to a decisive Game 7.
For Minnesota, the sense of achievement is real. When a team Timberwolves eliminate Nuggets – a franchise powered by one of the greatest players in the modern game – it sends a clear message to every contender still standing. The Timberwolves are not here to make up the numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did the Timberwolves eliminate Nuggets in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
The Timberwolves eliminate Nuggets in the first round, winning the best-of-seven series 4–2 with a final Game 6 score of 110–98.
Who was the top scorer in Game 6?
Jaden McDaniels of the Timberwolves led all scorers with a career-high 32 points. Nikola Jokic was Denver’s top performer with 28 points and 10 assists, but it was not enough to stop Minnesota from advancing.
Who will the Timberwolves face in the Western Conference semi-finals?
After watching the Timberwolves eliminate Nuggets, the next challenge is the San Antonio Spurs, with the series opener set for Monday.
Why was Nikola Jokic in the headlines during this series?
Jokic drew attention for two separate incidents: an ejection in Game 4 for instigating a scuffle, and a technical foul in Game 6 after a physical confrontation with Jaylen Clark.
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