Jokic’s Triple-Double Powers Nuggets to 7th Straight Win Over Timberwolves

When Nikola Jokic dropped 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists on Saturday night, it wasn’t just another stat line — it was a statement. The Denver Nuggets outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves 123-112 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, extending their winning streak to seven games and improving to 10-2 on the season. The win snapped Minnesota’s four-game run and handed them their first loss since early November. What made it more remarkable? Denver did it without two key starters. Christian Braun and Cam Johnson, both sidelined by injuries from their last game against the Los Angeles Clippers, were missing. And yet, the Nuggets didn’t just survive — they thrived.

Second-Half Surge Turns the Tide

The first half felt like a preview of Minnesota’s early-season swagger. The Timberwolves, led by Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards — each scoring 26 — built a 60-55 lead by halftime. Edwards’ athleticism kept Denver guessing, and Randle’s post play carved up the Nuggets’ defense. But something shifted in the third quarter. Denver’s ball movement became surgical. Aaron Gordon, playing through fatigue and injury concerns of his own, slipped behind Naz Reid on a screen-and-roll, caught a perfect shovel pass from Jokic, and finished with a reverse flush that sent the Denver bench into a frenzy. That play wasn’t an isolated highlight — it was emblematic of their entire second half.

The Nuggets outscored Minnesota 32-26 in the third and then exploded for 36-26 in the fourth. They turned 16 Minnesota turnovers into 24 points. Every time the Timberwolves looked ready to cut the lead, a three from Tim Hardaway Jr. or a drive-and-kick from Jamal Murray (12 assists, 23 points) answered. The crowd at Target Center, usually electric for home games, grew quiet as Denver’s rhythm became impossible to disrupt.

Jokic’s Quiet Dominance

Here’s the thing about Jokic: he doesn’t need to score 40 to dominate. He just needs to see the floor. His 11 assists weren’t flashy passes — they were timing plays, delayed entries, and backdoor lobs that caught Minnesota’s defense off-balance. He didn’t force shots. He didn’t trash-talk. He just kept finding the open man, and when he did shoot, he made them count — 10-of-18 from the field, 4-of-6 from deep. He’s not just the MVP. He’s the engine. And when the Nuggets are missing starters, he doesn’t just carry the load — he redesigns the whole machine.

It’s easy to overlook how much he elevates others. Gordon, who had been struggling with his shot, went 8-of-12 with 10 rebounds. Murray, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, looked like the All-Star from 2023 — cool under pressure, fearless in transition. Even bench players like Facundo Campazzo and Peyton Watson made key contributions. Denver didn’t just win because of Jokic — they won because everyone else stepped up when it mattered most.

A Rivalry Rekindled

This isn’t just another win. It’s the latest chapter in a growing rivalry. The Nuggets and Timberwolves met in the playoffs in 2023 and 2024 — both times Denver advanced. Last season, Minnesota swept the regular-season series. This year? Denver has won both meetings, including a 127-114 road win in Minneapolis back in October. Now, with the Nuggets at 10-2 and the Timberwolves at 8-5, the Northwest Division standings are tightening. The Oklahoma City Thunder lead at 13-1, but Denver is the only team with a winning streak longer than three games.

Minnesota’s turnovers — 20 on Saturday — are becoming a pattern. They’ve had 18 or more in four of their last five games. Coach Chris Finch has called it “a mental lapse,” but the timing couldn’t be worse. With the playoffs looming, those mistakes could cost them seeding. Denver, meanwhile, has won 11 of their last 12 games dating back to last season. They’re not just good — they’re dangerous.

What’s Next?

On Monday, November 17, the Nuggets host the Chicago Bulls — a team that’s struggled defensively all season. Minnesota, meanwhile, welcomes the Dallas Mavericks, who’ve been on a tear since Luka Dončić returned from injury. The stakes? Higher than ever. If Denver wins, they’ll be 11-2 — one game behind Oklahoma City. If Minnesota loses again, they could fall to third in the division, behind the Portland Trail Blazers.

And then there’s the health factor. Braun’s ankle sprain is expected to keep him out six weeks. Johnson’s biceps strain could sideline him longer. The Nuggets’ depth is being tested — and so far, they’re passing. But with 68 games left, can they keep this up? Jokic is playing 35+ minutes a night. Murray is logging heavy minutes. Gordon is playing through discomfort. The wear and tear is real.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about identity. The Nuggets have spent years being labeled as a one-man team. But when Jokic has to carry the load without his best supporting cast, and they still win — that’s when you know they’ve evolved. They’re no longer just a team with a great center. They’re a team with a system. A culture. A mindset that thrives under pressure.

For Minnesota, the message is clear: talent alone won’t win championships. Discipline, composure, and ball security matter. Edwards and Randle are stars. But stars don’t win titles — teams do.