The Denver Nuggets’ season ended earlier than expected. Despite entering their first-round series with the Minnesota Timberwolves as the No. 3 seed, Denver was eliminated in six games following a 110-98 loss in Game 6 at Target Center.
The defeat marked just the second time in Nikola Jokic’s career that his team has exited in the opening round of the playoffs.
Minnesota advanced despite being without key contributors Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, Ayo Dosunmu, and Kyle Anderson. Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 32 points and 10 rebounds, while Terrence Shannon Jr. added 24 points in a breakout performance. Denver, meanwhile, struggled to match Minnesota’s energy and defensive intensity throughout the series.
After the loss, Jokic addressed questions surrounding head coach David Adelman and made it clear where he believes responsibility lies.
Nikola Jokic Defends Denver Nuggets Coach David Adelman After Loss
Jokic did not point to coaching as a factor in the Nuggets’ elimination.
“It’s not his fault that we cannot rebound. It’s not his fault that we cannot catch the ball where we want to sell. There is nothing to blame to David Adelman. It was all us,” Jokic said.
His comments came after a series in which Denver was consistently outworked on the glass and struggled with execution in key moments. Minnesota controlled rebounds and loose balls, while also forcing turnovers and limiting Denver’s offensive flow.
The Nuggets’ inability to generate consistent offense was highlighted in Game 6. Jamal Murray finished with 12 points on 4-for-17 shooting, continuing a difficult series in which he shot 35.6 percent from the field and 26.1 percent from three-point range.
Jokic led Denver with 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists in the elimination game, including a strong third quarter in which he scored 14 points. However, Minnesota’s defense, anchored by McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, disrupted Denver’s rhythm throughout the game.
Jokic’s defense of Adelman underscored a broader theme after the loss, with players acknowledging execution issues rather than strategy.
Denver Nuggets Struggle Against Minnesota Timberwolves Defense
GettyDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic
Minnesota’s defensive pressure was a defining factor across the series.
The Timberwolves consistently limited Denver’s spacing and shot creation. McDaniels played a central role in containing Murray, while Gobert protected the paint and altered shots inside. Minnesota also capitalized on second-chance opportunities and forced Denver into difficult possessions.
Even with Minnesota missing multiple key players, Denver was unable to take advantage. The Timberwolves relied on a short rotation and received contributions from across the lineup, including Shannon, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid.
Denver’s defensive struggles were also evident. The Timberwolves scored 64 points in the paint in Game 6, repeatedly attacking inside and exploiting mismatches. The Nuggets, who ranked 21st in defense during the regular season, were unable to consistently stop dribble penetration or protect the rim.
Late in Game 6, Denver cut the deficit to three points but failed to score in the final 1:26, allowing Minnesota to close out the game. The loss reflected a series-long trend of missed opportunities and inconsistent execution.
For the Nuggets, the early exit raises questions heading into the offseason. While Jokic continued to produce at a high level, the team struggled to find balance on both ends of the floor.
Minnesota’s performance, meanwhile, highlighted the impact of defense and depth. Despite significant injuries, the Timberwolves controlled the series through effort and execution.
As Jokic noted, the responsibility for Denver’s elimination rests with the team. The focus now shifts to addressing those issues ahead of next season.
Nikola Jokic Sends Honest Message on David Adelman After Nuggets’ Shocking Playoff Exit