The Timberwolves had won four straight games and six of their last seven after beating the Kings again on Friday.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) shoots over Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
But that success was built upon one of the softest portions of a schedule an NBA team will play this season. The combined records of the teams Minnesota beat in those six victories is 12-38.
Still, the Wolves were playing well. Their defensive intensity had picked up in that span and they sport one of the most efficient offenses in the NBA. It was about time to see again how they stacked up against a legitimate foe.
The answer: Not well.
The Denver Nuggets were without two starters on the wing, as both Christian Braun and Cam Johnson were out with injuries, which severely strained a rotation that’s been one of the best in the league this season. No matter, what was available of Denver’s core outworked and outexecuted the Timberwolves, particularly in the second half en route to a 123-112 victory on Saturday.
Minnesota is now 0-5 this season against teams with winning records.
The Wolves led 60-55 at the break after taking advantage of the minutes played by the likes of Julian Strawther and Spencer Jones off Denver’s bench. But when Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic shared the floor, the Wolves were handled all game.
Denver won Gordon’s 35 minutes by 33 points. He had 23 points and 10 boards, while Jokic tallied 27 points 12 rebounds and 11 assists.
Suddenly, defensive possessions required an extra rotation. The offense faced more resistance from a defense that possessed gameplan discipline.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch described the offensive decision making as “not very good.”
“I just think we struggled to find easy baskets, and then just kind of made it hard,” Finch said. “We fought the game, really. Offense didn’t come easy to some of our guys who have been scoring well, and I think they got a little frustrated.”
Anthony Edwards took the blame for the loss after the game. He went 8 for 23 from the field, including 0 for 8 from distance. It was the first time in more than a calendar year that the star guard went a full regular season game without a made triple.
Edwards struggled on both ends against Denver, a team he historically dominates. He was passive offensively while returning to old, over-dribbling ways while getting lost off the ball on defense. Denver opened the game in a zone defense. And even when it transitioned into other looks, it set up its help defense to as to not allow Minnesota’s star player to go 1 on 1.
“I thought we’d handle that a little bit better than we did tonight,” Finch said.
Because those are things you’d expect to see against playoff teams. The Wolves have made deep playoff runs in consecutive seasons. They know what’s required to beat top-tier competition.
But Minnesota (8-5) wasn’t up to snuff Saturday, as was the case earlier this season against the likes of the Lakers and Knicks. Denver, specifically, has been a matchup Minnesota has owned in recent years.
The Wolves are 0-2 against the Nuggets this season.
“We typically play well in big games. We just haven’t so far,” Wolves forward Julius Randle said. “But if I know anything about this team, we’ll adjust and make the proper corrections and be ready for those moments in the future.”
They’d better. Because they don’t currently look to be on the same level as the league’s best. The Wolves allowed 68 second-half points Saturday as they were picked apart possession by possession.
Luckily for Minnesota, more gimmes are on the way. The Wolves next two opponents: The Mavericks, and Wizards.
Their combined records: 4-21.
“All I can do,” Finch said, “is play the team that’s in front of me.”
