In a heart-racing showdown on April 1, 2025, the Minnesota Timberwolves clinched a razor-thin victory over the defending champions Denver Nuggets, 140-139. The game, played at the Target Center, was nothing short of a basketball masterclass, showcasing explosive offense, clutch performances, and late-game drama that could rival any playoff classic. Let’s break down the game in detail, covering everything from standout performances to key stats and turning points.
First Half: High-Octane Offense Sets The Tone
From the opening tip, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a defensive slugfest. Both teams shot the ball efficiently and traded baskets nearly every possession. The Nuggets relied heavily on Nikola Jokić’s orchestration, while the Timberwolves attacked in transition, led by Anthony Edwards’ athleticism and Karl-Anthony Towns’ inside-out versatility.
- End of Q1: Nuggets led 38-34
- Halftime: Timberwolves led 69-67
Stat Highlight:
By halftime, both teams had shot above 50% from the field, combining for 15 three-pointers and just 9 turnovers. Edwards had 18 points in the first half alone, while Jokić was nearing a triple-double.
Third Quarter: Nuggets Surge, Timberwolves Respond
Denver came out strong after the break, going on a 13-2 run led by Michael Porter Jr., who caught fire from beyond the arc. For a moment, it looked like the Wolves were about to lose their grip. But Towns and Mike Conley stabilized the team with smart possessions and timely buckets.
Key Play:
Jamal Murray drained back-to-back threes, pushing the Nuggets’ lead to 10 with 3 minutes left in Q3. But a buzzer-beating floater by Edwards narrowed the deficit to just 5.
- End of Q3: Nuggets led 109-104
Fourth Quarter: Edwards Takes Over, Gobert Closes The Door
The final quarter was a masterclass in composure and star power. With Jamal Murray sidelined due to a head collision (later placed in concussion protocol), the Nuggets leaned even more on Jokić. He responded with classic post moves, high-IQ passes, and drawn fouls. However, Anthony Edwards had other plans. With 6 minutes left, he launched a scoring spree—11 points in 4 minutes—including a cold-blooded step-back three to give Minnesota the lead with under two minutes remaining.
The final sequence saw Denver trailing by 1. Jokić backed down Gobert for what looked like an easy hook, but Gobert blocked it clean, sealing the Timberwolves’ most dramatic win of the season.
Full Player Stats Breakdown
Minnesota Timberwolves
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT |
| Anthony Edwards | 34 | 6 | 7 | 54.5% | 5/9 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 27 | 9 | 4 | 59.0% | 2/4 |
| Rudy Gobert | 12 | 15 | 1 | 66.7% | N/A |
| Mike Conley | 16 | 3 | 9 | 50.0% | 3/6 |
| Jaden McDaniels | 11 | 4 | 2 | 46.0% | 2/5 |
Bench Impact:
Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added a combined 18 points, showing the Wolves’ underrated bench depth.
Denver Nuggets
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT |
| Nikola Jokić | 31 | 12 | 10 | 56.0% | 1/2 |
| Jamal Murray | 24 | 3 | 6 | 52.0% | 4/7 |
| Michael Porter Jr. | 20 | 6 | 2 | 57.0% | 3/5 |
| Aaron Gordon | 14 | 5 | 2 | 53.0% | 1/3 |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | 10 | 2 | 1 | 47.0% | 2/4 |
Bench Note:
Reggie Jackson and Christian Braun contributed key minutes but struggled defensively against Minnesota’s bench unit.
Tactical Analysis
- Wolves’ Spacing: With Towns at the five during clutch minutes, Minnesota opened up lanes for Edwards to drive, forcing Denver’s bigs into awkward switches.
- Nuggets’ Late-Game Strategy: Jokić isolated too often late, with little movement around him, perhaps due to Murray’s absence.
- Gobert’s Defense: He was the unsung hero. While Edwards got the headlines, Gobert’s final block and 15 rebounds gave Minnesota second chances and closed off the paint.
What This Means Going Forward
Timberwolves
- This win gives them a crucial mental edge heading into the playoffs.
- Edwards is stepping up as a legitimate superstar.
- Team chemistry and balance are peaking at the right time.
Nuggets
- Jokić remains dominant, but depth concerns resurface when Murray is out.
- Defensive lapses in transition hurt them—an issue they must fix for postseason success.
- The loss snaps a four-game win streak and could shake up the Western Conference seeding.
Game Highlights & Photos
Final Thoughts
The Timberwolves’ 140-139 win over the Nuggets is more than just a notch in the W column—it’s a statement. It tells the league that Minnesota can not only hang with the best but beat them in crunch time. With Edwards blossoming and Gobert anchoring the defense, the Wolves are looking more dangerous than ever.
Denver, on the other hand, knows that health and late-game execution will be critical as the postseason approaches. If these two teams meet again, expect another unforgettable clash.