The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves seem to have created a rivalry in recent seasons, stretching back to their first-round clash in the 2023 Playoffs. The Nuggets easily beat Minnesota en route to their franchise’s first title before the Wolves got their revenge in 2024 by eliminating the Nuggets in the second round by making a road comeback.
Since the 2023 Playoff matchup, the record when these teams face each other (reg. season) edges 5-2 in Minnesota’s favor. Nuggets head coach Michael Malone made it clear that Minny’s energy for matchups against the Nuggets is markedly different and something his squad needs to be able to match.
“I think they’ve approached this game like it’s a rivalry, and I think we’ve approached these games like it’s just another game sometimes.”
“We just gotta play harder, whether it’s a rivalry or not,” said Malone. “I don’t care who you’re playing. If you’re playing St. Buzzies and they beat you five times in a row, sometimes your pride’s gotta kick in.”
The Timberwolves have won the last three matchups between them and the Nuggets. Denver’s latest loss came in March 2025 when the Wolves picked up a comfortable 20-point win. This was to follow up on a 133-104 thrashing Minnesota had already handed Denver earlier in the season. Even their first matchup of the season was won by the Timberwolves, although it was a close 119-116 win.
The teams will match up for the final time in the regular season tomorrow, with the Nuggets aiming to avoid a season sweep to the franchise that ended their hopes of defending their NBA title.
Denver has a 47-28 record this season, still battling for the No. 2 seed in the West. Unfortunately, they’re trailing the No. 2 seed by two games, so wins over teams like the Timberwolves will go a long way in re-establishing their status as contenders.
Minnesota has a 43-32 record this season, battling to secure a top-six seed in the West. They’re currently the No. 7 seed but are closely surrounded by competitive franchises like the LA Clippers and Golden State Warriors. They need to keep winning to ensure they don’t lose No. 6 to either California-based team.
Both stars on either team will be expected to show up, as they have in the past. Anthony Edwards has averaged 22.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 18 games against the Nuggets in the regular season, meanwhile, Nikola Jokic has averaged 22.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 37 games against the Wolves.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
