The Minnesota Timberwolves are moving on once again. Despite missing several key players, the No. 6-seeded Timberwolves closed out their first-round playoff series with a 110-98 win over the No. 3 Denver Nuggets in Game 6 at Target Center.
The victory sends Minnesota to the Western Conference semifinals for the third straight season, where they will face Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
Minnesota did it without Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, Ayo Dosunmu, and Kyle Anderson, relying instead on a short rotation and a balanced effort. Jaden McDaniels led the way with 32 points and 10 rebounds, while Terrence Shannon Jr. added 24 points in a key starting role. Julius Randle and Naz Reid chipped in 18 and 15 points, respectively.
After the game, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch made it clear who set the tone throughout the series.
Chris Finch Praises Jaden McDaniels’ Two-Way Dominance
GettyMinnesota TImberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels
Finch highlighted McDaniels’ impact on both ends of the floor, pointing to his scoring and defensive performance against Jamal Murray as a defining factor in the series.
“I mean, Jaden McDaniels, he talked all series and he backed it up all series. And that’s called legitimate tough,” Finch said. “And he not only led us tonight scoring-wise, but Murray was 4-17. And I don’t think he scored on Jaden the whole game. So that’s what you want.”
“He talked all series and he backed it up all series. That’s called legitimate tough”
McDaniels’ Game 6 performance capped a series in which he consistently disrupted Denver’s offense. Murray finished with 12 points on 4-for-17 shooting in the elimination game and struggled to find rhythm throughout the series, shooting 35.6 percent from the field and 26.1 percent from three-point range.
The matchup between McDaniels and Murray proved decisive. For long stretches, Denver was unable to generate clean looks, with McDaniels staying attached through screens and limiting driving lanes.
His defensive presence complemented Minnesota’s overall intensity. The Timberwolves pressured ball handlers, contested shots, and controlled key possessions, particularly late in games. Finch’s comments reflected the importance of that effort in securing the upset.
Timberwolves Overcome Injuries to Eliminate Denver Nuggets
GettyJaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against Cameron Johnson #23 of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 27, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
Minnesota’s Game 6 win came under difficult circumstances.
The Timberwolves were without Edwards (knee), DiVincenzo (Achilles), Dosunmu (calf), and Anderson (illness), leaving Finch with just eight players. Dosunmu, who had averaged 30.5 points in his two starts earlier in the series, was ruled out shortly before tipoff.
Despite those absences, Minnesota maintained control for much of the game. Shannon stepped into the starting lineup and delivered timely scoring, including a late layup and free throw that pushed the lead to 103-97 with under two minutes remaining.
Denver made a late push, cutting the deficit to three points, but failed to score in the final 1:26. Nikola Jokić finished with 28 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists, while Cameron Johnson added 27 points. However, the Nuggets could not overcome inefficient shooting and turnovers in key moments.
The Timberwolves’ defensive execution played a central role. Rudy Gobert anchored the interior, while McDaniels handled primary perimeter assignments. Minnesota also controlled rebounds and loose balls, maintaining an edge in effort throughout the series.
The result marks Denver’s first first-round playoff exit since 2022.
For Minnesota, the focus now shifts to the next round. With momentum from a series win defined by defense and depth, the Timberwolves advance to face the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals.
Game 6 reinforced a clear theme for Minnesota: production can come from different sources, but defensive consistency remains the foundation. As Finch noted, performances like McDaniels’ impacting both scoring and defense are what the team expects moving forward.
Chris Finch Sends Bold Message on Jaden McDaniels After Timberwolves Eliminate Nuggets