The 2025-26 NBA Playoffs Western Conference First Round shifts to Minneapolis for Game 3 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET on April 24, 2026. The series stands tied at 1-1 after each team secured a road victory in the opening two games.
Denver won Game 1 on their home court, overcoming a 10-point deficit to defeat Minnesota 116-105. Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double while Jamal Murray was perfect from the free-throw line, making all 16 attempts. The Nuggets relied on their star duo to erase an early deficit and claim the series opener.
Minnesota responded with a dramatic 19-point comeback in Game 2, winning 119-114 in Denver. After trailing by 19 points, the Timberwolves outscored the Nuggets 27-4 in the second quarter to tie the game at halftime. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 30 points and 10 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 24 points and nine rebounds. Denver’s offense stalled in the fourth quarter, with Jokic and Murray combining for just 2-of-12 shooting.
The Timberwolves enter Game 3 seeking to capitalize on their momentum from the road win. Minnesota’s regular season finish of 49-33 earned them the sixth seed in the Western Conference, while Denver’s 54-28 record secured the third seed. Both teams have dealt with injury concerns throughout the series, with Edwards playing through a right knee issue and Aaron Gordon’s availability questionable for Denver due to injury.
Key matchups to watch include the battle in the paint between Rudy Gobert and Jokic, as well as the perimeter defense of Minnesota against Denver’s backcourt. The Timberwolves will look to maintain their second-quarter explosiveness from Game 2, while the Nuggets aim to establish better offensive rhythm after their fourth-quarter struggles.
Victory in Game 3 would give either team a 2-1 series lead heading back to Denver for Game 4. The winner gains a significant advantage in a best-of-seven series where home court has already proven less decisive, with both opening games going to the visiting team.
As the series returns to Minnesota, both squads know the importance of protecting their home floor. The Timberwolves aim to steal another road win to seize control, while the Nuggets look to re-establish their dominance in front of their home crowd in the upcoming games.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as the Timberwolves and Nuggets clash in this pivotal Western Conference playoff matchup.
