Alexander-Walker Free Throws Seal the Thriller
In an electrifying Timberwolves vs Nuggets showdown, Nickeil Alexander-Walker held his nerve, hitting two free throws with just 0.1 seconds left, securing a 140-139 double-overtime win for the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. The game had everything—playoff intensity, a wild sequence, and a career-best performance from Nikola Jokic, who erupted for 61 points.
Jokic’s Historic 61-Point Triple-Double
Despite Denver’s loss, Jokic’s performance was legendary. He played an exhausting 52 minutes and 38 seconds, tallying 10 rebounds and 10 assists, making it only the third 60-point triple-double in NBA history. The Denver Nuggets seemed poised to win, especially after Jokic hit a floater with 13.9 seconds left in regulation to tie the score at 112, and another at 7.3 seconds in the first overtime to knot it at 125.
Edwards and Wolves’ Depth Shine
While Jokic dominated, Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, keeping his team alive. The Timberwolves’ bench outscored the Nuggets’ reserves 40-14, proving their depth. Naz Reid stepped up big, especially with Donte DiVincenzo suspended one game after an on-court altercation with the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.
Crazy Second Overtime and Final Play
In a crazy play during the second overtime, Jokic was fouled by Jaden McDaniels on a jump ball, and his free throw gave Denver a 139-138 lead. But with the final play unfolding in the closing seconds, Russell Westbrook stole the ball, leading to a missed layup before Alexander-Walker was fouled in the corner. He calmly sank two clutch free throws, sealing the Timberwolves’ sixth straight win, including playoffs.
Nuggets’ Strong Start, Upcoming Games
Denver came out firing, leading by 16 in the opening quarter and finishing the first quarter tied for the most points (18-3) at home this season. However, despite missing Jamal Murray (hamstring) and Michael Porter Jr. (personal reasons), the Nuggets couldn’t hold off Minnesota. Up next, Denver hosts San Antonio on Wednesday, while the Timberwolves travel to Brooklyn on Thursday.
Denver Nuggets: Key Players and Stats Breakdown
The Denver Nuggets are an exciting team to watch, with a mix of superstar players and solid depth. At the heart of this success is Nikola Jokić, but it’s the contributions of players like Aaron Gordon, Peyton Watson, and others that really round out the team. Let’s break down how they performed in the Timberwolves vs Nuggets matchups.
Nikola Jokić: The Centerpiece of the Nuggets
Nikola Jokić, the reigning MVP, is the focal point of the Denver Nuggets. His ability to score, pass, and rebound is second to none. Against the Timberwolves, Jokić has been putting up impressive numbers like PTS, REB, and AST. In the last game, he finished with 30 PTS, 16 REB, and 7 AST on 62.1% shooting. His influence extends beyond scoring, often setting up teammates for easy baskets.
Aaron Gordon: Defensive Presence
On the defensive side, Aaron Gordon plays a key role. He has the size and athleticism to guard a variety of positions, making him valuable in the Timberwolves vs Nuggets matchups. Gordon is not just about defense though; he’s also been effective in scoring, contributing 18 PTS in the recent game. His performance in BLK and STL stands out as well, showing his ability to disrupt plays.
Peyton Watson & Christian Braun: Young and Promising
The Nuggets have strong young talents in Peyton Watson and Christian Braun, both of whom have been impactful off the bench. Watson’s hustle and defense are key, while Braun’s perimeter shooting is another asset for the team. Braun recently went 2-for-2 from the FT line and grabbed 5 REB while adding 9 PTS to the box score. Watson, meanwhile, contributed 4 PTS and 6 REB. Though their contributions may not always be high in FG%, their energy gives the Nuggets a boost.
Jalen Pickett & Zeke Nnaji: Providing Depth
Jalen Pickett and Zeke Nnaji are crucial for providing depth to the roster. Pickett, with his ability to facilitate the offense, and Nnaji, with his rebounding and shooting touch, are perfect examples of players who can fill up the stat sheet. Nnaji recently posted 12 PTS and 7 REB, while Pickett contributed 4 REB and 2 AST. They ensure that the Nuggets maintain a strong team dynamic, even when key players are resting.
Key Stats from the Last Matchup
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3P% | FT% | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokić | 30 | 16 | 7 | 62.1 | 54.5 | 79.2 | 18 |
| Aaron Gordon | 18 | 10 | 2 | 60.0 | 50.0 | 80.0 | -5 |
| Peyton Watson | 4 | 6 | 2 | 66.7 | 33.3 | 0.0 | -3 |
| Christian Braun | 9 | 5 | 3 | 52.0 | 0.0 | 100.0 | 4 |
| Zeke Nnaji | 12 | 7 | 2 | 57.1 | 40.0 | 75.0 | -1 |
This table showcases the contributions of various players in the Timberwolves vs Nuggets game. The diversity in their stat lines highlights how the Nuggets get contributions from multiple sources, rather than relying on one or two players.
DeAndre Jordan, Hunter Tyson, and Trey Alexander: The Rest of the Crew
DeAndre Jordan, Hunter Tyson, and Trey Alexander also play their parts in the Nuggets’ rotation, though they may have seen fewer minutes in the latest game. Jordan, a veteran presence, offers size and experience, while Tyson and Alexander are still developing. Their time on the floor helps the Nuggets maintain depth, especially with regular rotation players like Russell Westbrook being used in different scenarios.
Coach’s Decision and Injuries
In the Timberwolves vs Nuggets game, some players like Vlatko Čančar, Spencer Jones, and Dario Šarić didn’t play due to Coach’s Decision or minor injuries. While they may not have contributed to the stats, their presence on the roster is crucial in providing rest for the starters. Every player on the team contributes, even if it’s not reflected in the box score.
Statistical Breakdown of the Nuggets
The Nuggets are a well-balanced team, relying not just on their stars but also on depth and teamwork. Here’s a look at their overall performance from the most recent game.
| Player | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokić | 45:19 | 9 | 15 | 60.0 | 4 | 8 | 50.0 | 8 | 10 | 80.0 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 30 |
| Aaron Gordon | 46:39 | 9 | 15 | 60.0 | 4 | 8 | 50.0 | 8 | 10 | 80.0 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -5 |
| Peyton Watson | 32:01 | 4 | 6 | 66.7 | 1 | 3 | 33.3 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Christian Braun | 53:10 | 8 | 14 | 57.1 | 1 | 6 | 16.7 | 1 | 1 | 100 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 18 |
| Zeke Nnaji | 52:38 | 18 | 29 | 62.1 | 6 | 11 | 54.5 | 19 | 24 | 79.2 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 5 | -1 |
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Performance Breakdown
The Minnesota Timberwolves fought hard in the matchup against the Nuggets, with Anthony Edwards taking charge. His 50:29 MIN on the court led to 34 PTS, with 12 FGM on 25 FGA (48.0 FG%). He was aggressive beyond the arc, hitting 5 3PM on 15 3PA (33.3 3P%), and was solid from the line with 5 FTM on 7 FTA (71.4 FT%).
Jaden McDaniels had an efficient game, playing 39:37 MIN, scoring 12 PTS on 7-11 FGM (63.6 FG%), though he didn’t attempt a 3PA. He dominated the boards with 12 REB (6 OREB, 6 DREB) and played solid defense.
Rudy Gobert also made a strong presence in 39:37 MIN, contributing 19 PTS with 7-11 FGM (63.6 FG%). He was active inside, grabbing 12 REB (6 OREB, 6 DREB) and making an impact defensively.
Veteran guard Mike Conley provided stability in 36:28 MIN, scoring 9 PTS but struggled with efficiency (3-8 FGM, 37.5 FG%). He did, however, knock down 3 3PM on 7 3PA (42.9 3P%), adding 8 AST and 1 STL.
Youngster Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed well off the bench with 10 PTS in 12:02 MIN, shooting 4-6 FGM (66.7 FG%) with 2 3PM on 4 3PA (50.0 3P%).
Naz Reid played a crucial role, scoring 26 PTS in 44:59 MIN, shooting 8-16 FGM (50.0 FG%), and hitting 5 3PM on 11 3PA (45.5 3P%). His rebounding and defense were valuable, finishing with 7 REB and 2 BLK.
Other players such as Jaylen Clark, Josh Minott, Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, Luka Garza, Joe Ingles, Bones Hyland, and Donte DiVincenzo didn’t contribute significantly, with some receiving DNP (Coach’s Decision or League Suspension).
Player Stats
| Player | MIN | PTS | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | REB | OREB | DREB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | +/- |
|—————————–|——–|——|——|——|——|——|——|——|——|——|——|——|——|——|——|——|——|——|——|
| Anthony Edwards | 50:29 | 34 | 12 | 25 | 48.0 | 5 | 15 | 33.3 | 5 | 7 | 71.4 | 10 | 1 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 8 |
| Jaden McDaniels | 39:37 | 12 | 7 | 11 | 63.6 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 5 | 9 | 55.6 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | -10 |
| Mike Conley | 36:28 | 9 | 3 | 8 | 37.5 | 3 | 7 | 42.9 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | -22 |
| Naz Reid | 44:59 | 26 | 8 | 16 | 50.0 | 5 | 11 | 45.5 | 5 | 7 | 71.4 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 14 |
| Rudy Gobert | 39:37 | 19 | 7 | 11 | 63.6 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 5 | 9 | 55.6 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | -10 |
| Nickeil Alexander-Walker| 12:02 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 66.7 | 2 | 4 | 50.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 14 |
Team Performance Summary
| Stat Category | Value |
|---|---|
| FGM | 52 |
| FGA | 111 |
| FG% | 46.8 |
| 3PM | 19 |
| 3PA | 50 |
| 3P% | 38.0 |
| FTM | 17 |
| FTA | 25 |
| FT% | 68.0 |
| OREB | 21 |
| DREB | 31 |
| REB | 52 |
| AST | 35 |
| STL | 5 |
| BLK | 2 |
| TO | 14 |
| PF | 34 |
| PTS | 140 |
Some players received DNP (Coach’s Decision or League Suspension), limiting their impact. The Timberwolves performed well but had defensive lapses, leading to their -6 +/- margin against the Nuggets.
