Minnesota Timberwolves Edge Closer to Second Round Despite Injuries in Win Over Denver Nuggets

The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a crucial 112-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, April 26, 2026, extending their lead to 3-1 in the Western Conference semifinals series. The win came at a significant cost, as starting guard Anthony Edwards exited the game in the second quarter with a knee injury, and reserve guard Donte DiVincenzo suffered a torn right Achilles tendon just minutes into the contest.

Despite losing two key contributors early, the Timberwolves rallied behind a career-high 43-point performance from guard Ayo Dosunmu, who shot 13-of-17 from the field, including a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range, and was flawless from the free-throw line at 12-of-12. His explosive scoring output proved decisive in overcoming the Nuggets’ efforts to stay competitive.

Denver’s Nikola Jokić recorded a double-double with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, but struggled with his shooting efficiency, making just 8 of 22 field-goal attempts (36 percent). This marked his third consecutive game shooting below 40 percent from the field, highlighting the defensive pressure applied by Minnesota’s perimeter defenders throughout the series.

The Timberwolves’ defensive scheme, characterized by active hands and persistent physicality, disrupted Denver’s offensive rhythm and forced multiple turnovers. Minnesota’s ability to maintain defensive intensity despite the absence of Edwards and DiVincenzo underscored the depth and resilience of their roster heading into a potential series-clinching Game 5 on Monday.

With the series now tilted heavily in their favor, Minnesota stands one victory away from advancing to the Western Conference finals. The Nuggets, meanwhile, face the prospect of elimination on their home floor if they fail to win Game 5 and force a decisive Game 6 back in Minneapolis.

The outcome of Monday’s contest will determine whether the Timberwolves capitalize on their current advantage or if Denver can extend the series further. Both teams are expected to adjust their rotations and strategies based on the availability of injured players and the lessons learned from the first four games of this tightly contested semifinal matchup.