The Denver Nuggets walked into Game 6 with a chance to force a Game 7 on their home floor, but instead delivered one of their most disappointing performances of the season. Despite a dominant showing from Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets were outworked, out-rebounded, and ultimately overwhelmed by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 110-98 loss.
The biggest storyline, however, was the complete offensive shutdown of Jamal Murray, whose struggles swung the momentum firmly in Minnesota’s favor, and it never came back. The Nuggets have a long offseason ahead as they aim to retool for next season, but here are their player ratings after tonight.
Nikola Jokic: A
Game Stats: 28 PTS, 9 REB, 10 AST, 4 TOV, 1 BLK, 11-19 FG, 1-5 3PT, 5-6 FT, 43 MIN
Jokic did everything he could to carry Denver, finishing just one assist shy of a triple-double. He controlled the offense, created opportunities for teammates, and scored efficiently despite constant defensive attention.
However, even his brilliance couldn’t overcome the lack of support and the team’s inability to match Minnesota’s physicality. The turnovers and defensive struggles inside also slightly dampen what was otherwise a stellar individual effort.
Cameron Johnson: A
Game Stats: 27 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST, 2 TOV, 1 BLK, 8-15 FG, 5-10 3PT, 6-9 FT, 39 MIN
Cam Johnson was one of the few bright spots for Denver, providing efficient scoring and consistent perimeter shooting. His ability to stretch the floor kept the offense alive at times, especially when others struggled to generate clean looks.
He played within the flow, picked his spots well, and contributed on the glass. However, his impact wasn’t enough to shift the overall momentum, particularly as Minnesota dominated the interior.
Tim Hardaway Jr.: B
Game Stats: 13 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TOV, 4-7 FG, 1-2 3PT, 4-4 FT, 21 MIN
Hardaway provided a scoring spark off the bench, bringing energy and efficiency in his minutes. He attacked closeouts well and made smart decisions with the ball.
While he wasn’t heavily featured, his production was one of the few positives from the second unit.
Spencer Jones: C+
Game Stats: 8 PTS, 2 REB, 1 AST, 1 TOV, 1 BLK, 3-4 FG, 2-3 3PT, 35 MIN
Jones was efficient with his limited opportunities, but the low volume limited his overall impact. He knocked down open shots and didn’t force the issue, which is valuable in theory.
Still, in a game where Denver desperately needed offensive support, his passiveness stood out. More aggression could have helped relieve pressure on the stars.
Tyus Jones: C+
Game Stats: 4 PTS, 3 AST, 1 STL, 2-4 FG, 12 MIN
Jones gave Denver steady ball-handling and helped organize the offense during stretches. His assist-to-turnover control was solid, and he avoided mistakes.
However, his limited scoring threat allowed Minnesota to focus elsewhere defensively.
Jamal Murray: D
Game Stats: 12 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST, 1 BLK, 4-17 FG, 0-2 3PT, 4-4 FT, 40 MIN
This was a nightmare performance for Murray at the worst possible time. He struggled to create separation, forced difficult shots, and never found any rhythm offensively.
To make matters worse, his inefficiency stalled Denver’s offense repeatedly, allowing Minnesota to build and maintain control. In a closeout game, the Nuggets needed their co-star to deliver—Murray simply didn’t.
Christian Braun: D
Game Stats: 3 PTS, 1 REB, 1 TOV, 3 BLK, 1-4 FG, 1-4 3PT, 28 MIN
Braun had a quiet offensive night, struggling to make any meaningful impact on that end. While his three blocks show some defensive activity, it wasn’t enough to compensate for the lack of scoring.
Denver needed energy and production from role players, and Braun wasn’t able to provide it consistently.
Bruce Brown: D
Game Stats: 1 PT, 1 REB, 1 AST, 3 TOV, 2 STL, 0-2 FG, 0-1 3PT, 1-2 FT, 14 MIN
Brown struggled to make a positive impact, particularly with three costly turnovers in limited minutes. While he contributed defensively with a couple of steals, the offensive inefficiency hurt.
Denver needed his versatility, but he couldn’t find his rhythm.
Zeke Nnaji: N/A
Game Stats: 3 MIN
Nnaji saw very limited action and didn’t record any meaningful statistics. His minutes were too brief to make an impact, but the lack of contribution reflects Denver’s tightening rotation in a struggling game.
Jonas Valanciunas: N/A
Game Stats: 2 PTS, 2 REB, 1 TOV, 1-3 FG, 4 MIN
Valanciunas had a short stint and struggled to impose himself physically against Minnesota’s frontcourt. Given the rebounding disparity, Denver could have used more presence inside.
His limited minutes suggest the coaching staff didn’t trust the matchup in this game.
