On Saturday, the Denver Nuggets played the Minnesota Timberwolves (at home) for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
The Nuggets won by a score of 116-105.
Jamal Murray led the way with 30 points while shooting 16/16 from the free throw line.
Nuggets Quietly Made One Of The Best Signings
GettyHead coach David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets directs his team against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
Role players are especially important during the playoffs.
Tim Hardaway Jr. came off the bench to put up seven points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block while shooting 2/6 from the field in 24 minutes of playing time.
Hardaway Jr. has been a very important piece for the Nuggets.
The 34-year-old finished the regular season averaging 13.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest while shooting 44.7% from the field and 40.7% from three-point range in 80 games.
Being an efficient three-point shooter (and only missing two games) is big production for a contending team like Denver.
It’s worth noting that they signed Hardaway Jr. to only a minimum deal last summer.
ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote (on July 1, 2025): “Free agent sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN. Hardaway had a strong season for the Pistons‘ resurgent 2024-25 campaign and now Denver officials finalize a deal with Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports.”
GettyTim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Hardaway Jr’s. Career
Hardaway Jr. was the 24th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft out of Michigan.
He has also spent time playing for the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons over 13 years.
@HPbasketball wrote (on March 30): “THJ has frustrated so many fanbases through the years. Following his arc, I’ve seen fans lament him on so many squads. But at this point in his career, he’s so polished and such a pro, and he has been an absolute FOLK HERO this season for the Nuggets, and their fans love him. A good reminder that good players’ careers are long and you should understand there are always more chapters to write. (He was also great in Detroit)”
GettyTim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Denver Nuggets shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter at Ball Arena on December 25, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.
During the 2019 season (with Dallas and New York), Hardaway Jr. averaged a career-high 18.1 points per contest.
His career averages are 13.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per contest while shooting 41.9% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range in 893 games.
Game 2 of the series will be on Monday night (in Denver).
Denver Nuggets Quietly Made One Of The Best Signings In The NBA