Denver Nuggets vs Timberwolves Match Player Stats

The denver nuggets vs timberwolves match player stats from Game 6 of the 2026 Western Conference first round tell a much deeper story than the final 110-98 score. Minnesota eliminated Denver at Target Center on April 30, 2026, winning the series 4-2, behind a playoff career high from Jaden McDaniels, an unusually complete performance from Rudy Gobert, and a major rebounding advantage. Denver received strong scoring from Nikola Jokic and Cameron Johnson, but Jamal Murray struggled under Minnesota’s defensive pressure.

For readers searching for the complete denver nuggets vs timberwolves match player stats, this breakdown covers the individual box score, team numbers, shooting efficiency, rebounding battle, playmaking, defensive impact, quarter-by-quarter scoring, and the tactical reasons Minnesota closed out the series. The goal is not simply to list numbers, but to explain what those numbers reveal about the game.

Game Overview

Game 6 was played at Target Center in Minneapolis with an announced sellout attendance of 18,978. Denver entered the game as the No. 3 seed with a 54-28 regular-season record, while Minnesota was the No. 6 seed at 49-33.

The Timberwolves won 110-98, ending Denver’s postseason run and advancing after winning the first-round series 4-2. The game was competitive early, but Minnesota gradually built control through the second half.

The quarter scores were:

Quarter	Denver Nuggets	Minnesota Timberwolves
1st	30	29
2nd	20	28
3rd	24	25
4th	24	28
Final	98	110

The most important detail is the consistency of Minnesota’s second-half execution. Denver never recovered the eight-point deficit created during the second quarter. Minnesota then won both the third and fourth quarters.

Official NBA Game Box Score

Denver Nuggets vs Timberwolves Match Player Stats

The individual numbers show that Denver had several productive players, but its production was concentrated among a small number of contributors.

Denver Nuggets Player Statistics

Player	MIN	FG	3PT	FT	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS	+/-
Nikola Jokic	43:24	11-19	1-5	5-6	9	10	0	1	4	28	-9
Cameron Johnson	39:14	8-15	5-10	6-9	8	3	0	1	2	27	-3
Jamal Murray	40:18	4-17	0-2	4-4	6	4	0	1	0	12	-18
Tim Hardaway Jr.	20:59	4-7	1-2	4-4	4	2	1	1	1	13	-5
Spencer Jones	35:17	3-4	2-3	0-0	2	1	0	1	1	8	-9
Christian Braun	27:35	1-4	1-4	0-0	1	0	0	3	1	3	-9
Tyus Jones	12:26	2-4	0-0	0-0	0	3	1	0	0	4	+5
Jonas Valanciunas	3:43	1-3	0-0	0-0	2	0	0	0	1	2	-2
Bruce Brown	14:22	0-2	0-1	1-2	1	1	2	0	3	1	-5
Zeke Nnaji	2:43	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0	-5

Denver finished with 34 made field goals on 75 attempts, 10 made three-pointers on 27 attempts, and 20 made free throws on 25 attempts. The official scorer’s report records 33 team rebounds, 24 assists, four steals, eight blocks and 13 turnovers.

Nikola Jokic’s Near Triple-Double

Nikola Jokic delivered Denver’s most complete individual performance.

He finished with:

• 28 points
• 9 rebounds
• 10 assists
• 11-of-19 shooting
• 1-of-5 from three
• 5-of-6 from the free-throw line
• 1 block
• 4 turnovers

His 10 assists are particularly important because Denver relied heavily on his ability to create offense. He was not simply a scorer. He was the central passing hub responsible for connecting Denver’s half-court offense.

Jokic also played 43 minutes and 24 seconds, reflecting the importance of the elimination game.

From a traditional statistical perspective, his performance was excellent. The problem was that Minnesota made his overall workload expensive. He had to operate against a physical frontcourt while the Timberwolves consistently attacked the glass and generated second-chance opportunities.

Jokic’s performance illustrates an important lesson when reading playoff statistics: a superstar can produce an outstanding individual line without producing enough team offense to win.

Cameron Johnson’s Efficient Scoring

Cameron Johnson was arguably Denver’s most efficient high-volume scorer.

He scored 27 points in 39:14 while shooting:

• 8-of-15 overall
• 5-of-10 from three
• 6-of-9 at the free-throw line

His 50% shooting from three was especially valuable because Minnesota was limiting Denver’s offensive options elsewhere.

Johnson also grabbed eight rebounds and added three assists.

His 27 points represented more than just secondary scoring. Denver needed players around Jokic to convert open opportunities, and Johnson supplied that perimeter production.

The difficulty was that his scoring could not compensate for Denver’s problems in other areas, particularly rebounding and the inefficient performance from Murray.

Jamal Murray’s Difficult Night

Jamal Murray finished with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists, but his shooting efficiency was the major concern.

He went 4-of-17 from the field and 0-of-2 from three.

Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels played a major role in making Murray’s night difficult. McDaniels combined length, lateral movement and physical defense to prevent Murray from finding the rhythm that Denver needed from its second major offensive creator.

Murray’s minus-18 was also Denver’s worst individual plus-minus in the game.

The statistic should not be treated as a complete measure of defensive performance, but in this particular matchup it supports what the game film showed: Minnesota’s pressure on Murray disrupted one of Denver’s most important offensive pathways.

Minnesota Timberwolves Player Statistics

Minnesota’s production was more balanced.

Player	MIN	FG	3PT	FT	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS	+/-
Jaden McDaniels	44:54	13-25	1-4	5-6	10	3	2	1	0	32	+16
Julius Randle	37:27	6-17	2-5	4-6	4	5	1	0	4	18	+15
Rudy Gobert	41:46	4-6	0-0	2-4	13	8	1	2	0	10	+11
Terrence Shannon Jr.	34:42	9-20	1-7	5-5	6	1	2	0	0	24	+7
Mike Conley	26:29	3-7	1-4	0-0	6	3	1	0	1	7	-1
Naz Reid	33:47	7-13	1-3	0-1	7	4	1	0	2	15	+11
Jaylen Clark	12:10	1-3	1-3	0-0	2	1	0	0	0	3	-3
Bones Hyland	8:44	0-3	0-3	1-2	2	1	0	0	0	1	+4

Minnesota shot 43-of-94 from the field, 7-of-29 from three and 17-of-24 from the free-throw line. The Timberwolves collected 50 rebounds, produced 26 assists, eight steals and only seven turnovers.

Jaden McDaniels Was the Difference Maker

Jaden McDaniels led all scorers with 32 points.

He also recorded:

• 10 rebounds
• 3 assists
• 2 steals
• 1 block
• 13-of-25 shooting
• 5-of-6 free throws
• 0 turnovers
• +16

This was not a one-dimensional scoring performance.

McDaniels carried an enormous defensive responsibility while also becoming Minnesota’s leading offensive player. His ability to defend a primary perimeter threat and still generate 32 points made his performance one of the defining features of the game.

He also played 44:54, essentially spending the entire elimination game on the floor.

The combination of scoring, rebounding and defense is why his statistical line deserves more attention than simply labeling him the game’s leading scorer.

Rudy Gobert’s Complete Interior Impact

Rudy Gobert scored only 10 points, but looking only at scoring dramatically understates his impact.

He finished with:

• 10 points
• 13 rebounds
• 8 assists
• 2 blocks
• 1 steal
• 4-of-6 shooting
• 7 offensive rebounds

The eight assists were especially notable for a center whose primary reputation is built around interior defense and rebounding.

Gobert’s seven offensive rebounds also directly contributed to Minnesota’s control of extra possessions.

His performance was a useful example of why traditional points-per-game comparisons can be misleading. Gobert did not need 25 points to have a major influence on the result.

The Rebounding Battle Decided the Game

The most revealing team statistic in the denver nuggets vs timberwolves match player stats was the rebounding gap.

Minnesota finished with 50 rebounds.

Denver finished with 33.

That is a 17-rebound advantage for Minnesota.

The offensive rebounding numbers were particularly important. Minnesota collected 19 offensive rebounds, compared with only six for Denver.

Those extra possessions helped produce 20 second-chance points for Minnesota. Denver scored only four second-chance points.

This is one of the clearest explanations for the 12-point final margin.

Minnesota did not need to dominate three-point shooting to win. In fact, Denver shot 37% from three compared with Minnesota’s 24%.

Instead, Minnesota created additional possessions through offensive rebounding and converted those opportunities.

That is an important lesson when evaluating playoff basketball. A team can lose the three-point shooting battle and still win comfortably if it creates enough extra possessions.

Points in the Paint Show Minnesota’s Offensive Strategy

Another decisive number was points in the paint.

Minnesota scored 64 points in the paint.

Denver scored 40.

That is a 24-point advantage.

The Timberwolves therefore won both the rebounding battle and the interior scoring battle.

Those two categories were connected.

Offensive rebounds created additional possessions, and Minnesota’s size allowed those possessions to become paint opportunities.

Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle and Naz Reid gave Minnesota multiple interior options, while McDaniels and Shannon added perimeter scoring.

This combination made Minnesota’s offense difficult to reduce to one matchup.

Denver could not simply focus on McDaniels because other Timberwolves players could punish mismatches inside.

Turnovers Also Favored Minnesota

Minnesota committed only seven turnovers.

Denver committed 13.

That six-turnover difference matters in a playoff game because possessions become increasingly valuable when scoring is difficult.

Minnesota also recorded eight steals compared with Denver’s four.

The Timberwolves therefore won the possession battle in multiple ways:

1. More offensive rebounds
2. Fewer turnovers
3. More steals
4. More second-chance opportunities

This helped offset Minnesota’s weaker three-point shooting.

Shooting Comparison

The shooting numbers create an interesting contrast.

Denver

Denver:

• Shot 45.3% from the field
• Shot 37.0% from three
• Shot 80.0% from the free-throw line

Minnesota

Minnesota:

• Shot 45.7% from the field
• Shot 24.1% from three
• Shot 70.8% from the free-throw line

Denver was clearly better from three and at the free-throw line.

Yet Minnesota still scored 110 points.

Why?

Because field-goal percentage does not tell the whole story.

Minnesota attempted 94 field goals compared with Denver’s 75. The 19-attempt difference is enormous.

That difference came largely from offensive rebounds and turnovers.

In other words, Minnesota created enough additional possessions to overcome its inefficient perimeter shooting.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Denver Starts Strong

Denver scored 30 points in the opening quarter and led Minnesota 30-29.

Jokic established himself early, and Denver’s offense appeared capable of controlling the game.

But the one-point lead did not provide much security.

Minnesota remained close despite its injuries and limited guard depth.

Second Quarter: Minnesota Takes Control

The second quarter changed the direction of the game.

Denver scored only 20 points.

Minnesota scored 28.

That gave the Timberwolves a 57-50 halftime lead.

The eight-point swing in the quarter was important because Minnesota began converting its physical advantages into a measurable scoreboard advantage.

Third Quarter: Denver Cannot Close the Gap

Denver scored 24 points in the third.

Minnesota scored 25.

Instead of reducing the deficit, Denver lost another point.

Entering the final quarter, Minnesota led 82-74.

Fourth Quarter: Minnesota Finishes the Series

Minnesota scored 28 fourth-quarter points while Denver scored 24.

The Timberwolves therefore won the final quarter by four.

A late Minnesota run helped eliminate Denver’s final opportunity to make the game competitive.

The official game data records Minnesota’s largest lead as 12 points.

Why Minnesota Won Despite Poor Three-Point Shooting

At first glance, Minnesota’s 7-of-29 three-point performance looks like a major weakness.

It was.

But the Timberwolves found other ways to score.

Their 64 points in the paint and 19 offensive rebounds were far more important than their poor perimeter percentage.

This is a useful example of playoff adaptability.

A team that cannot rely on three-point shooting must find alternative ways to create efficient possessions.

Minnesota did that through:

• Offensive rebounding
• Interior scoring
• Physical play
• Fewer turnovers
• Free-throw opportunities
• Defensive pressure
• Multiple scoring contributors

The result was an offense that produced 110 points without needing an exceptional shooting night from deep.

Why Denver’s Offense Fell Short

Denver scored 98 points despite strong individual performances from Jokic and Johnson.

The central problem was the lack of efficient secondary creation.

Jokic scored 28.

Johnson scored 27.

Together they produced 55 points.

The rest of Denver’s roster accounted for 43 points.

Murray’s 12 points on 4-of-17 shooting were especially damaging because Denver needed him to provide reliable scoring alongside Jokic.

Minnesota’s defense effectively forced Denver into a situation where two major offensive contributors had to carry too much of the burden.

The Importance of McDaniels Against Murray

One of the most interesting tactical elements was McDaniels’ defensive assignment.

Murray is at his best when he can use screens, changes of direction and pull-up shooting to create separation.

McDaniels’ size and mobility made those actions more difficult.

Murray finished 4-of-17 from the field and 0-of-2 from three.

The official NBA game coverage specifically highlighted McDaniels’ defensive work against Murray.

This matchup illustrates why defensive statistics such as steals and blocks do not always capture a defender’s value.

McDaniels had only two steals and one block.

His larger contribution was preventing Murray from generating efficient offense.

That type of defensive impact appears in the opponent’s shooting numbers rather than in the defender’s own box score.

Terrence Shannon Jr. Provides a Major Boost

Terrence Shannon Jr. added 24 points in 34:42.

He shot 9-of-20 from the field and made all five of his free throws.

His contribution was particularly valuable because Minnesota entered the game without several important guards.

Shannon responded with aggressive scoring and gave Minnesota another player capable of attacking Denver’s defense.

His six rebounds and two steals added further value.

A playoff team missing major offensive creators needs unexpected contributors to fill the gap. Shannon did exactly that.

Julius Randle’s Supporting Role

Julius Randle scored 18 points, grabbed four rebounds and handed out five assists.

He shot 6-of-17 from the field but also made two three-pointers.

His value was not purely scoring.

The five assists helped Minnesota maintain ball movement, while his ability to operate as a larger playmaker added another layer to the offense.

Randle did not need to dominate the game because McDaniels, Shannon, Gobert and Naz Reid all contributed.

Naz Reid’s Efficient Contribution

Naz Reid scored 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting.

He also added seven rebounds and four assists.

His 33:47 of playing time reflected the importance of his versatility.

Reid’s ability to score from different areas of the floor helped Minnesota maintain offensive spacing while still having substantial size on the court.

His plus-11 was also one of the stronger marks on the team.

Defensive Statistics Tell Only Part of the Story

Minnesota recorded:

• 8 steals
• 3 blocks
• 7 turnovers

Denver recorded:

• 4 steals
• 8 blocks
• 13 turnovers

Interestingly, Denver had more blocks.

Yet Minnesota’s defense was more effective overall.

That is because blocks are only one part of defense.

A defense can be successful through:

• Contesting shots
• Denying driving lanes
• Preventing clean pick-and-roll opportunities
• Forcing difficult jumpers
• Securing rebounds
• Limiting turnovers
• Disrupting offensive rhythm

McDaniels’ work against Murray is a strong example.

He did not need a large number of blocks or steals to influence the game.

What the Plus-Minus Numbers Reveal

Minnesota’s best plus-minus marks were:

• Jaden McDaniels: +16
• Julius Randle: +15
• Rudy Gobert: +11
• Naz Reid: +11
• Terrence Shannon Jr.: +7

Denver’s most difficult marks included:

• Jamal Murray: -18
• Nikola Jokic: -9
• Spencer Jones: -9
• Christian Braun: -9

Plus-minus should always be interpreted carefully because it depends on lineups and game context.

Still, the pattern is useful.

Minnesota’s primary contributors were generally on the positive side, while Denver’s core lineup struggled to create enough separation.

Injuries Changed Minnesota’s Game Plan

Minnesota entered the game without several important players.

Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo and Ayo Dosunmu were unavailable, while Kyle Anderson was also listed inactive.

That forced Minnesota to adjust its normal rotation.

Rather than allowing the missing guard production to destroy its offense, Minnesota leaned into size.

The result was a lineup structure that emphasized McDaniels, Randle, Gobert and Reid while giving Shannon a major scoring role.

The adjustment worked.

Minnesota’s 50 rebounds and 64 points in the paint demonstrate how effectively the team turned its size into an advantage.

What These Stats Mean for Evaluating the Series

The Game 6 numbers also help explain why Minnesota ultimately won the series 4-2.

Denver had the better regular-season record.

It had a superstar capable of producing a near triple-double.

It shot significantly better from three in Game 6.

Yet Minnesota controlled several physical and possession-based areas that become extremely important in playoff basketball.

The Timberwolves demonstrated that they could win without depending on one conventional formula.

That flexibility was critical.

Most Important Statistical Takeaways

If a reader only has time to study a handful of numbers, these are the ones that matter most:

1. Minnesota won 110-98

The Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference semifinals with the 12-point victory.

2. Minnesota outrebounded Denver 50-33

The 17-rebound advantage created additional possessions.

3. Minnesota had 19 offensive rebounds

This was one of the biggest reasons the Timberwolves could survive poor three-point shooting.

4. Minnesota won points in the paint 64-40

The 24-point interior advantage was decisive.

5. Minnesota committed only seven turnovers

Denver had 13.

6. Jaden McDaniels scored 32

He led all players while also contributing 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.

7. Nikola Jokic recorded 28 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds

His near triple-double was not enough to prevent elimination.

8. Jamal Murray scored 12 on 4-of-17 shooting

His inefficient night limited Denver’s offensive ceiling.

9. Cameron Johnson scored 27

He was Denver’s most efficient high-volume perimeter scorer.

10. Rudy Gobert recorded 13 rebounds and eight assists

His all-around contribution went far beyond his 10 points.

How to Read Player Stats More Intelligently

A common mistake is to look at points first and stop there.

For this game, a better approach is to examine player statistics in layers.

Start with scoring.

Then examine shooting efficiency.

Then look at rebounds and offensive rebounds.

Next, review assists and turnovers.

Finally, consider plus-minus and defensive assignments.

Using this method changes the interpretation of the game.

For example, Gobert’s 10 points appear modest.

But 13 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks tell a completely different story.

Similarly, McDaniels’ 32 points are impressive, but his value becomes even clearer when his defensive assignment and zero turnovers are considered.

Jokic’s 28 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists were outstanding, but his four turnovers and Denver’s inability to match Minnesota’s physical advantages show why the individual line did not translate into victory.

Who Was the Player of the Game?

Jaden McDaniels has the strongest case.

His 32 points led everyone.

He added 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.

More importantly, he handled a difficult defensive assignment against Murray while carrying heavy offensive responsibility.

That combination makes his performance more complete than a simple scoring comparison suggests.

Jokic had the strongest Denver performance, while Gobert delivered one of the most unusual all-around lines because of his eight assists and 13 rebounds.

Was Nikola Jokic Good Enough?

Statistically, Jokic played well.

He scored 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting, produced 10 assists and grabbed nine rebounds.

But basketball is a five-on-five game.

Denver needed more efficient scoring from Murray and greater collective control of the glass.

Jokic could create offense, but he could not simultaneously solve every possession problem created by Minnesota.

The final result therefore should not be interpreted as an individual failure.

It was a team-level matchup problem.

What Denver Could Have Done Differently

The box score points toward several areas Denver needed to address.

Protect the Defensive Glass

Allowing 19 offensive rebounds gave Minnesota too many second chances.

Generate More Efficient Guard Scoring

Murray’s 4-of-17 shooting made Denver’s offense heavily dependent on Jokic and Johnson.

Reduce Turnovers

Thirteen turnovers compared with Minnesota’s seven created another possession disadvantage.

Find More Interior Resistance

Giving up 64 points in the paint was difficult to overcome.

Increase Lineup Balance

Denver’s leading contributors produced strong numbers, but the offensive distribution was not enough to keep pace with Minnesota’s broader contribution.

What Minnesota Did Right

Minnesota’s success was built on several complementary strengths.

The team rebounded aggressively.

• It protected the ball.
• It attacked the paint.
• It received 32 points from McDaniels.
• It received 24 from Shannon.

Randle contributed 18.

Reid added 15.

Gobert contributed across multiple statistical categories.

That balance made it difficult for Denver to eliminate every source of production.

A Practical Framework for Comparing Player Performances

When evaluating a playoff box score like this one, consider five questions:

1. Who scored efficiently?
2. Who created extra possessions?
3. Who controlled the glass?
4. Who created shots for teammates without excessive turnovers?
5. Which defender changed the opponent’s efficiency?

Using those questions produces a more useful analysis than simply ranking players by points.

For Game 6, the answers are clear.

McDaniels scored efficiently enough while defending Murray.

Gobert created possessions through offensive rebounds.

Minnesota controlled the glass.

Gobert and Randle helped distribute the ball.

McDaniels disrupted Denver’s perimeter offense.

That is why the statistical story points strongly toward Minnesota.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who led the Nuggets in scoring against the Timberwolves?

Nikola Jokic led Denver with 28 points. Cameron Johnson was close behind with 27 points. Jokic also recorded nine rebounds and 10 assists.

Who led the Timberwolves in scoring?

Jaden McDaniels led all players with 32 points. He also recorded 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.

What was Jamal Murray’s stat line?

Jamal Murray scored 12 points, grabbed six rebounds and recorded four assists. He shot 4-of-17 from the field and 0-of-2 from three-point range.

How many rebounds did Rudy Gobert have?

Rudy Gobert grabbed 13 rebounds, including seven offensive rebounds. He also recorded eight assists, 10 points and two blocks.

What was the final score?

Minnesota defeated Denver 110-98 in Game 6 at Target Center, winning the first-round series 4-2.

Why did Minnesota win?

The biggest statistical reasons were its 50-33 rebounding advantage, 19 offensive rebounds, 64-40 edge in points in the paint, seven turnovers compared with Denver’s 13, and McDaniels’ 32-point performance.

Conclusion

The denver nuggets vs timberwolves match player stats from Game 6 reveal a playoff game decided by much more than shooting percentage.

Denver actually shot better from three and had strong individual performances from Jokic and Johnson. But Minnesota created more possessions, dominated the offensive glass, scored heavily in the paint and received major contributions from several players.

Jaden McDaniels delivered the headline performance with 32 points and 10 rebounds while also taking on a demanding defensive assignment. Rudy Gobert provided 13 rebounds and eight assists. Terrence Shannon Jr. supplied 24 points, while Julius Randle and Naz Reid added 18 and 15 respectively.

For Denver, Jokic’s 28-point near triple-double was excellent, and Johnson’s 27 points kept the Nuggets competitive. The biggest problem was the inefficient scoring from Murray and the team’s inability to match Minnesota’s physical control of the game.

The final statistical picture is therefore straightforward: Minnesota won the possession battle, the paint battle and the rebounding battle. Those advantages were enough to overcome its poor three-point shooting and eliminate Denver 4-2.

The Game 6 box score is a useful reminder that playoff basketball is rarely decided by one number. The strongest analysis comes from connecting scoring, efficiency, possessions, rebounding, turnovers, defensive assignments and lineup roles into one complete picture.