[April 24, 2024 – Target Center, Minneapolis] [Final Score: Nuggets 112 – Timberwolves 109]
Game Overview and Key Highlights
Two Western Conference powerhouses clashed in an exciting game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The defending champion Nuggets faced the rising Timberwolves in a game that showed why both teams are among the NBA’s best.
Starting Lineup Stats
Denver Nuggets Starting Five:
- Nikola Jokic: [35 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists]
- Jamal Murray: [28 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds]
- Michael Porter Jr.: [16 points, 7 rebounds]
- Aaron Gordon: [12 points, 8 rebounds]
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: [8 points, 3 steals]
Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Five:
- Karl-Anthony Towns: [27 points, 11 rebounds]
- Anthony Edwards: [30 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists]
- Rudy Gobert: [14 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks]
- Mike Conley: [12 points, 8 assists]
- Jaden McDaniels: [11 points, 4 rebounds]
Team Shooting Numbers
Nuggets Team Stats:
- Field Goals: [42-79] (52.8%)
- Three-Pointers: [12-29] (41.3%)
- Free Throws: [16-18] (88.5%)
- Total Rebounds: [45]
- Assists: [29]
- Steals: [8]
- Blocks: [5]
Timberwolves Team Stats:
- Field Goals: [39-82] (47.6%)
- Three-Pointers: [14-36] (38.9%)
- Free Throws: [17-20] (84.2%)
- Total Rebounds: [42]
- Assists: [25]
- Steals: [6]
- Blocks: [7]
Star Player Performances
Nikola Jokic’s Complete Stats:
- Minutes Played: [38]
- Points: [35]
- Rebounds: [13]
- Assists: [11]
- Steals: [2]
- Blocks: [1]
- Field Goals: [14-21]
- Three-Pointers: [2-4]
- Free Throws: [5-6]
- Plus/Minus: [+15]
Anthony Edwards’ Full Stats:
- Minutes Played: [40]
- Points: [30]
- Rebounds: [5]
- Assists: [6]
- Steals: [2]
- Blocks: [1]
- Field Goals: [11-24]
- Three-Pointers: [4-10]
- Free Throws: [4-4]
- Plus/Minus: [+8]
Quarter Scores
First Quarter: [Nuggets 28 – Timberwolves 26]
- Top Scorer: Jokic [12 points]
- Key Play: Murray’s buzzer-beating three
Second Quarter: [Nuggets 31 – Timberwolves 30]
- Top Scorer: Edwards [11 points]
- Key Play: Gobert’s alley-oop finish
Third Quarter: [Timberwolves 28 – Nuggets 25]
- Top Scorer: Towns [10 points]
- Key Play: Edwards’ fastbreak dunk
Fourth Quarter: [Nuggets 28 – Timberwolves 25]
- Top Scorer: Murray [13 points]
- Key Play: Jokic’s game-winning assist
Bench Production
Nuggets Bench:
- Christian Braun: [8 points, 4 rebounds]
- Reggie Jackson: [7 points, 3 assists]
- Peyton Watson: [6 points, 2 blocks]
- DeAndre Jordan: [2 points, 5 rebounds] Total Bench Points: [23]
Timberwolves Bench:
- Naz Reid: [9 points, 5 rebounds]
- Kyle Anderson: [4 points, 4 assists]
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker: [6 points]
- Jordan McLaughlin: [2 points, 2 assists] Total Bench Points: [21]
Key Game Stats
Points in the Paint:
- Nuggets: [52]
- Timberwolves: [44]
Fast Break Points:
- Nuggets: [15]
- Timberwolves: [18]
Second Chance Points:
- Nuggets: [14]
- Timberwolves: [12]
Biggest Lead:
- Nuggets: [13 points]
- Timberwolves: [9 points]
Lead Changes: [14] Times Tied: [11]
Advanced Stats
Offensive Rating:
- Nuggets: [118.5]
- Timberwolves: [115.2]
Defensive Rating:
- Nuggets: [112.8]
- Timberwolves: [114.6]
True Shooting Percentage:
- Nikola Jokic: [66.7%]
- Karl-Anthony Towns: [62.4%]
- Jamal Murray: [59.8%]
- Anthony Edwards: [58.3%]
Game-Defining Moments
Key Runs:
- Nuggets 12-0 run [3:45-1:20] third quarter
- Timberwolves 10-2 run [8:15-6:30] fourth quarter
Clutch Plays:
- [1:20] Murray three-pointer
- [0:45] Edwards driving layup
- [0:15] Jokic assist to Gordon for winning basket
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the game’s top scorer?
Nikola Jokic led all scorers with [35] points on efficient [14-21] shooting.
How many assists did Jokic have?
Jokic recorded [11] assists, completing his triple-double.
What was the biggest lead of the game?
The Nuggets held the biggest lead at [13] points during the second quarter.
How many three-pointers did each team make?
The Timberwolves made [14] three-pointers while the Nuggets made [12].
Who led the game in rebounds?
Rudy Gobert led all players with [15] rebounds.
Impact on Standings
Current Records:
- Nuggets: [55-28]
- Timberwolves: [52-31]
Western Conference Position:
- Nuggets: [2nd]
- Timberwolves: [4th]
Season Series:
- Nuggets lead [3-1]
Looking Ahead
Next Matchups:
- Nuggets: [vs. Lakers, April 27]
- Timberwolves: [at Suns, April 26]
This detailed breakdown shows how the Nuggets secured a close victory against the Timberwolves, with both teams showing why they’re among the West’s best. The game featured outstanding performances from stars on both sides, with Jokic’s triple-double leading Denver to the win.