The Minnesota Timberwolves were the better team in Game 6. Facing a battle-tested Denver Nuggets squad led by Nikola Jokic, Minnesota delivered a gritty, physical performance to secure a 110-98 win and shockingly close the series at home.
What made it even more impressive was how they did it. This wasn’t just a hot night. It was old-school playoff basketball.
The Timberwolves controlled the glass, dominated the paint, and dictated the tempo from start to finish, turning what many expected to be a long series into a statement victory, even if Anthony Edwards didn’t suit up. Here are the five major takeaways from this excellent matchup.
1. The Timberwolves Won It Inside The Paint
The Minnesota Timberwolves outmuscled the Denver Nuggets. A staggering 50-33 rebounding advantage and 19 offensive boards tell you exactly how this game tilted.
That’s not just effort, that’s domination. Rudy Gobert anchored it with 13 rebounds (7 offensive) and added 8 assists, controlling possessions on both ends like a conductor who decided the pace himself.
And the damage piled up where it hurts most: the paint. Minnesota dropped 64 points inside compared to Denver’s 40, repeatedly bullying their way to second-chance buckets and high-percentage looks. When one team gets nearly 20 extra opportunities and turns them into points, you’re taking the win by force.
2. Jaden McDaniels Was The MVP Of The Night
There’s always one performance that swings a series, and this time it belonged to Jaden McDaniels. He exploded for 32 points on 13-25 shooting, added 10 rebounds, and finished +16 in 45 minutes of relentless two-way impact.
This wasn’t a hot shooting night, but controlled aggression. He picked his spots, attacked mismatches, and never looked rattled.
What made it even more impressive was the timing. With the series on the line, McDaniels didn’t defer – he took over stretches of the game when Minnesota needed scoring stability.
While others traded blows, he was the constant. That’s how role players become playoff heroes, and in this case, he didn’t just help win the game; he helped close the series.
3. Nikola Jokic Tried To Do Everything, But Help Wasn’t There
You can’t pin this loss on Nikola Jokic. He delivered a near-masterpiece: 28 points on 11-19 shooting, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists. He created offense, stabilized possessions, and even kept Denver within striking distance for stretches. On most nights, that stat line is enough to win comfortably.
But this wasn’t most nights. Jamal Murray struggled badly, finishing with just 12 points on 4-17 shooting and a -18 plus-minus.
Outside of Cameron Johnson’s 27, the supporting cast never found a consistent rhythm. When your co-star can’t buy a bucket, and the opponent is dominating the glass, even an MVP-level performance starts to feel like it’s happening in isolation.
4. Minnesota’s Defense Was Exceptional
The Timberwolves dictated everything defensively. Denver shot a decent 45.7% overall, but the rhythm never felt natural. Minnesota’s length and physicality forced tougher looks, limited clean passing windows, and kept the Nuggets from getting into their usual flow.
The result? Just 13 turnovers for Denver, but far fewer easy possessions than they’re used to.
More importantly, Minnesota made every shot feel earned. Christian Braun managed just 3 points, and outside of a few individual bursts, the Nuggets lacked cohesion.
Meanwhile, Minnesota turned defense into offense with 8 steals and held Denver to just 98 total points. In a closeout game, that kind of defensive discipline travels, and it wins.
5. The Timberwolves Are Built For Playoff Basketball
This was a blueprint victory. The Timberwolves didn’t shoot well from three (7-29, 24.1%), didn’t dominate the free-throw line, and still controlled the game for 80% of the time. Why? Because they leaned into what translates in the playoffs: size, defense, rebounding, and timely shot-making.
Even the supporting pieces delivered. Naz Reid chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds off the bench, while Terrence Shannon Jr. added 24 with aggressive downhill play.
This was a collective identity. And now, after eliminating the defending powerhouse Denver Nuggets, Minnesota arrives as a real threat in the next matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.
