Nuggets Rally Past Timberwolves for Seventh Straight Win: Jokic Leads Denver’s Depth Charge

Nuggets’ Depth Shines in Comeback Win Over Timberwolves

The Denver Nuggets continued their impressive run in the 2025 NBA season, notching their seventh consecutive victory with a 123-112 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night. Despite missing two starters—Christian Braun and Cam Johnson—the Nuggets displayed the kind of resilience and team chemistry that’s quickly becoming their trademark.

The game was anything but straightforward. Denver found themselves trailing by eight at halftime (60-55), facing a Minnesota squad that had won four straight and was eager to defend home court. Naz Reid sparked the Timberwolves early, scoring all 17 of his points in the first half, while Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards combined for 52 points over the course of the night. The matchup, marked by 18 lead changes and nine ties through three quarters, had the rhythm of a heavyweight fight—neither team willing to give ground, both battling fatigue and physical play.

Jokic’s Triple-Double Powers Denver’s Second-Half Surge

But when the pressure mounted, Nikola Jokic delivered. The reigning MVP finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, his latest triple-double fueling a 68-52 second-half run that flipped the game’s momentum. Jokic’s influence went beyond the stat sheet—his defensive positioning and crisp passing opened up opportunities for teammates, including Peyton Watson, who filled in admirably for injured starters. Watson’s energetic defense on Anthony Edwards and timely cuts led to double-digit scoring, while Tim Hardaway Jr. (in his starting role) added over 20 points with smart perimeter shooting.

Jamal Murray played the role of facilitator, accumulating 23 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists despite inefficient shooting. His relentless drives into the paint kept Minnesota’s defense on its heels and created open looks for Denver’s supporting cast. Aaron Gordon, meanwhile, proved invaluable as a late shot-clock option, finishing with 23 points and 10 rebounds, and providing a crucial block in the fourth quarter that led to a transition layup.

Bench Depth and Defensive Tenacity Seal the Victory

Denver’s bench was a difference-maker in the fourth. Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown, and Spencer Jones stepped up, with Jones in particular expanding his role on the wing as a defensive stopper. The Nuggets opened the final period with a burst, extending their lead into double digits before Jokic re-entered, and never looked back. Denver’s defense tightened the screws, holding Minnesota to just 52 points in the second half, and forced the Timberwolves into tough, contested shots—Edwards struggled from outside, and the team’s secondary scorers couldn’t close the gap.

Despite the Timberwolves missing key rotation players like Jaylen Clark, they stayed within striking distance thanks to Randle and Edwards. However, Denver’s ball movement and spacing consistently exploited Minnesota’s defensive lapses, especially in the third quarter where the Nuggets outscored the Wolves 32-26. Hardaway Jr. went 6-of-8 from the field, helping Denver maintain an efficient offensive flow even as turnovers and missed layups made for a scrappy contest.

Historical Context: Nuggets Among NBA’s Elite Starts

With this win, Denver improved to 10-2, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference. According to Mile High Sports, the Nuggets have now joined rare company as one of only five teams in NBA history to win nine or more of their first twelve games by double digits—a group that includes legendary squads like the 1996-97 Bulls and the 1962-63 Celtics.

This dominant start is especially remarkable given Denver’s injury woes and the depth they’ve needed to rely on. Jokic’s historic averages—nearly 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists per game—are matched by the team’s ability to adapt on the fly. As TalkBasket.net notes, Denver’s supporting cast stepped up to fill the gaps, with Hardaway, Watson, and Gordon all making key contributions in the absence of regular starters.

For Minnesota, the loss snaps a four-game winning streak and drops them to 8-5. The Timberwolves will regroup before facing Dallas, while Denver returns home to Ball Arena for a matchup against Chicago.

Looking Ahead: Nuggets’ Resilience Tested

The Nuggets have demonstrated that their success isn’t just about star power. It’s about depth, defense, and adaptability. This win against the Timberwolves, in a game that could have easily slipped away given the circumstances, stands as a testament to their collective grit. Jokic’s steady leadership, Murray’s playmaking, and the emergence of role players like Watson and Hardaway Jr. have kept Denver at the forefront of the NBA conversation.

As the season progresses, the Nuggets’ ability to win close, physical games—especially when shorthanded—may be the edge that sets them apart from their rivals in the West. For now, Denver fans have every reason to believe this team can contend for another deep playoff run, and perhaps, something even greater.

Denver’s victory over Minnesota highlights a franchise that’s learned to thrive under adversity. Jokic’s triple-double was the centerpiece, but it was the synergy of the supporting cast and defensive tenacity that truly defined the night. If the Nuggets can maintain this balance between star brilliance and team depth, their historic start may be a preview of championship ambitions realized.