Timberwolves and Nuggets rivalry returns for a third showdown in four postseasons

DENVER (AP) — The main actors remain the same for Minnesota-Denver, Part III. The plot line is similar, too.

“But a totally different movie,” Nuggets coach David Adelman said.

Grab the popcorn and recline back because the headliners always seem to put on a show. The series between the Timberwolves and Nuggets, featuring Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, becomes the third installment over the last four postseasons. Each team has won a series.

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“I don’t think there’s anything else to call it but a rivalry,” Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards said of a first-round matchup that kicks off Saturday.

It certainly checks all the boxes to place that rivalry label on it: Close games (14-14 over 28 regular season and playoff contests since 2022). Close proximity (both reside in the Northwest Division). Close relationships (plenty of front office and coaching crossover).

“It’s weird to shake their hands after the series, because you know those guys so well,” Adelman said.

The Nuggets won in five games over the Timberwolves in 2023 on their march to the franchise’s first NBA title. A year later, the Wolves erased a 20-point deficit in Game 7 to beat Denver in the second round. Minnesota made it to the Western Conference finals.

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“Good teams are built to beat good teams,” Adelman explained.

Good teams also know each other well. The Nuggets will focus on Edwards, who averaged 30.3 points against them this season. He fully expects to draw a crowd.

“But nothing they’re going to throw at me that’s unexpected,” Edwards said.

Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, will be the center of attention for Minnesota. He’s averaged 24.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists in 42 career regular-season games against Minnesota. Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, will draw the responsibility of limiting Jokic. Murray, who is Jokic’s pick-and-roll partner, also is a dynamic factor.

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“The teams are both just really talented. We’re both physical teams,” Nuggets guard Christian Braun said. “It’ll be a tough first-round matchup.”

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/timberwolves-nuggets-rivalry-returns-third-183159007.html

Author : PAT GRAHAM

Publish date : 2026-04-17 18:31:00

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