By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Minnesota Timberwolves electrified Ball Arena on Monday, edging out the Denver Nuggets 119–114 to level a best-of-seven series in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, at 1–1. After 15 lead changes, the visitors surged ahead for good with four minutes remaining, claiming home-court advantage as the battle now shifts to Minneapolis.
Game 2 began as a runaway for the team guided by David Adelman. Denver capitalized on a blistering start to build a 19-point cushion early in the second quarter. Jamal Murray fueled the early momentum, capped by a spectacular buzzer-beating heave from beyond half-court to lock the score at 64–64 going into the locker room. The Canadian combo guard finished the half with 23 points.
The team coached by Chris Finch responded with resilience, led by Anthony Edwards. Despite entering the game as a game-time decision due to right knee soreness, he remained the focal point of the Wolves’ offense, matching Murray for a game-high scoring total of 30.
The visitors also benefited from the steady hand of Donte DiVincenzo, with the Italian starter putting up 16 points, including seven crucial points in the closing minutes that allowed his side to maintain their lead under pressure. Fellow European starter, France’s Rudy Gobert, was effective on both ends of the court down the stretch to finish with two points, seven rebounds, and two steals.
Serbian icon Nikola Jokic posted a double-double of 24 points and 15 rebounds to go with eight assists and one block. However, he found his usual efficiency hampered by the physical presence of the Minnesota frontcourt. The bench saw limited production from Lithuanian veteran Jonas Valanciunas, who grabbed two rebounds in just three minutes of action.
Following this narrow escape for the Wolves, the series moves to Target Center for Game 3 on Thursday.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 0-1 (101-112)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-0 (126-113, 115-105)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-1 (113-102, 106-107)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 1-0 (123-91)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 1-0 (119-84)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 1-0 (107-98)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-1 (126-115, 114-119)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 1-0 (111-98)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions