Although the Denver Nuggets took Game 1 in the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the losing side was extremely confident in the first-round opener. A Nikola Jokic triple-double didn’t seem to mean much for Minnesota after the way they saw Rudy Gobert guarding the MVP candidate.
Timberwolves standout Jaden McDaniels took it as far as saying that the Timberwolves would win the series if Gobert continued guarding Jokic like that.
“That’s all Rudy. Rudy did a good job the whole game just guarding him and taking the challenge. And that’s what we need every time we play against Jokic is Rudy coming to compete. That’s the best game we had from Rudy all year… Both ends he did a good job. If he keep doing that, we gonna win,” McDaniels told reporters.
That same confidence and defensive play helped the Timberwolves seal the deal with a win on Monday night for Game 2. The Timberwolves took down the Nuggets with a score of 119-114, and the series heads to Minnesota for the first time.
Nikola Jokic Addresses Rudy Gobert’s Defensive Attack
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 18: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets warms up prior to playing the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
With Gobert being a primary defender on Jokic throughout the series, the three-time MVP was asked about his opponent after Monday’s Game 2 action. Jokic gave plenty of credit to his opponent.
“He’s a really good defensive player, you know? He’s making you make tough shots, he’s a big log, he can reach the ball at any kind of angle and position. So, he’s a really good defensive player,” Jokic told reporters.
Jokic got his numbers, but they didn’t come easy. The big man checked in for 40 minutes. He shot 8-20 from the field, making just one of his seven shots from three. The veteran center finished the game with 24 points. Jokic racked up a double-double with 15 rebounds and was just two assists shy of a triple-double.
Gobert doesn’t have a strong history against Jokic, especially this season. But the playoffs have been a different story. It’s clear that Gobert’s aggressiveness on defense has been an issue for Denver, and the Timberwolves are totally fueled by it.
Timberwolves Tie The Series Up
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 13: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts after a play in the fourth quarter of the game against the Utah Jazz at Target Center on April 13, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Offensively, Gobert didn’t have too much for the Timberwolves on Monday night. In 28 minutes, the center went 1-4 from the field to score two points. He added one assist and turned the ball over twice. Defensively, Gobert came down with seven rebounds and came up with two steals.
Anthony Edwards led the way for the Timberwolves, as he scored 30 points in 40 minutes. Edwards picked up a double-double with 10 rebounds, and he also had two blocks and one steal on the defensive side of the ball.
Overall, the Timberwolves had a great two-way effort in Game 2. With that win, the Timberwolves are headed back home with a major boost in confidence.