The rivalry between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves has delivered some of the NBA’s most electrifying moments throughout the 2024–25 season, none more striking than their latest encounters.
April 1, 2025: The Jaw-Dropping Double-Overtime Thriller
On a historic night at Ball Arena, the Timberwolves eked out a 140–139 win in double overtime against the Nuggets. What made it unforgettable was Nikola Jokić’s extraordinary triple-double—a staggering 61 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists—yet it wasn’t enough to secure the victory.
Key Contributions:
-
Anthony Edwards delivered 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists for Minnesota, anchoring their balanced offense.
-
Nickeil Alexander-Walker closed the game with ice in his veins, knocking down two clutch free throws with just 0.1 seconds left.
-
Aaron Gordon (30 points) and Christian Braun (18 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals) also impressed for Denver.
Despite Jokić’s heroics, Russell Westbrook’s late-game miscues proved costly: he missed an easy layup after a steal and was called for a foul on the game’s final shot attempt.
March 12, 2025: Timberwolves Dominate
A month earlier, the Timberwolves handed Denver a 115–95 defeat, extending their win streak to six games. Anthony Edwards spearheaded the rout with 29 points, while Julius Randle added 25.
Nikola Jokić, typically a force, was held to 34 points with 8 rebounds and 4 assists—solid, but overshadowed by Minnesota’s defensive discipline and star-powered offense.
January 25, 2025: Edwards Sets Franchise Record
Back in Minneapolis, the Timberwolves crushed the Nuggets 133–104. Anthony Edwards exploded for 34 points—and in doing so, became the franchise’s all-time leader in three-pointers made.
This performance underscored his maturation into a postseason-caliber scorer and highlighted Denver’s struggles containing his perimeter threat.
Historical Head-to-Head Snapshot
From the broader data:
-
Denver has generally held the edge in head-to-head matchups this season, but Minnesota has pulled key wins in high-pressure matchups.
-
Statistically, both teams are neck-and-neck in terms of field goal attempts, rebounds, assists, and points per game over their history.
Breaking Down the Stats: What They Tell Us
| Player | Notable Performance | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokić | 61 pts, 10 reb, 10 ast, triple-double (Apr 1, 2025) | Unbelievable individual output; heartbreakingly insufficient |
| Anthony Edwards | 34 pts, 10 reb, 8 ast (Apr 1); 29 pts (Mar 12); 34 pts & career 3P record (Jan 25) | Consistent, elite scoring and high-impact versatility |
| Nickeil A-Walker | Clutch free throws in final 0.1 sec (Apr 1) | Elevated the Timberwolves past Jokić’s masterpiece |
| Aaron Gordon | 30 pts (Apr 1) | Strong supporting cast; second scoring option |
| Christian Braun | 18 pts, 12 reb, 3 stl (Apr 1) | Provided hustle, defense, and vital boards |
| Julius Randle | 25 pts (Mar 12) | Another reliable bucket-getter in the wing |
Narrative Summary
The narrative of this season’s Nuggets vs. Timberwolves duels is defined by superlative individual efforts, dramatic finishes, and shifting team momentum.
-
In Denver, Jokić transcended norms, logging one of the greatest offensive nights in league history—even though the outcome didn’t reflect it.
-
In contrast, Minnesota’s offense was multifaceted, with Anthony Edwards consistently delivering and teammates like Alexander-Walker and Gordon stepping up when needed.
-
Ultimately, the clash is a microcosm of postseason battles: one star making history is not always enough—team cohesion, timely execution, and depth are what tip the scales.
