Murray’s Third-Quarter Explosion, Jokic’s Triple-Double Lead Nuggets Past Shorthanded Timberwolves

Jamal Murray poured in 43 points — including an incredible 23 in the third quarter — as the Denver Nuggets surged past the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves, 127–114, on Monday night.

Nikola Jokic added yet another triple-double, tallying 25 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists for his third in as many games this season. The reigning Finals MVP now has 167 career triple-doubles, ranking third on the NBA’s all-time list.

The Timberwolves were without star guard Anthony Edwards, sidelined for at least a week with a strained right hamstring suffered Sunday against Indiana. Reserve guard Jaylen Clark also missed the contest due to left calf tightness.

Minnesota led 65–57 at halftime before Murray caught fire in the third quarter. He opened the half with a jumper and a three-pointer, then drained two more triples to give Denver a 79–78 edge. The Nuggets outscored the Timberwolves 45–29 in the period, turning an eight-point deficit into a 102–94 lead heading into the fourth.

Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 20 points for Denver, and Peyton Watson added 12, including back-to-back corner threes during a decisive 10–0 run that halted Minnesota’s late comeback bid.

Jaden McDaniels paced the Timberwolves with 25 points, while Julius Randle scored 24 and Naz Reid added 18.

The win marked a bit of payback for Denver, which dropped all four regular-season meetings to Minnesota last year. The absence of Edwards — who averaged 31.5 points per game against the Nuggets in 2023–24 — was clearly felt.

Up Next:
Denver hosts the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, while Minnesota welcomes the Los Angeles Lakers.