The Minnesota Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference semifinals with a 110-98 Game 6 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Target Center, closing out a physical and emotional playoff series.
Jaden McDaniels delivered a career-defining postseason performance with 32 points and 10 rebounds, setting the tone on both ends of the floor.
Terrence Shannon Jr. added 24 points in a surprise start, helping Minnesota overcome multiple injuries in its backcourt rotation.
Despite missing key guards Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo and Ayo Dosunmu, Minnesota controlled the interior with a 64-40 advantage in points in the paint.
The Timberwolves also dominated the glass, finishing with a 50-33 rebounding edge that limited Denver’s second-chance opportunities.
Nikola Jokic produced 28 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, but the Nuggets center was repeatedly forced into difficult late-clock possessions.
Jamal Murray struggled offensively, finishing with 12 points on 4-for-17 shooting while being heavily pressured by McDaniels’ perimeter defense.
Denver received 27 points from Cameron Johnson, who kept the game competitive with perimeter shooting, but the supporting production around Jokic remained inconsistent.
Minnesota’s defensive structure centered on physical containment in the paint, with Rudy Gobert anchoring the rim protection while Julius Randle and Naz Reid provided interior pressure.
The Timberwolves built separation late, using a decisive fourth-quarter push to extend control after a tightly contested three quarters.
A key sequence came in the final two minutes when Shannon converted a three-point play to extend the lead to six points.
McDaniels followed with a mid-range jumper that pushed the margin to seven, then immediately intercepted a pass from Jokić to generate another possession.
The turnover sequence effectively sealed the game as Minnesota executed efficiently at the free-throw line down the stretch.
Denver shot 24% from three-point range, going 7-for-29 as its perimeter offense failed to consistently punish Minnesota’s interior-heavy defensive scheme.
The Nuggets briefly extended the series in Game 5, but were unable to sustain momentum on the road in a hostile environment.
Minnesota’s defensive identity proved decisive throughout the series, with McDaniels often assigned to slow Denver’s primary perimeter creators.
Jokic was the focal point of every defensive possession, but Minnesota’s rotation and physical help coverage limited his passing rhythm late in the game.
The Timberwolves now advance to face the San Antonio Spurs in the second round, opening the series on Monday.
San Antonio earned its matchup after defeating Portland in five games, setting up a contrast in pace and defensive execution.
For Denver, the season ends with questions about scoring consistency outside of Jokić and the need for improved secondary shot creation in playoff settings.
