NBA: Undermanned Wolves try to eliminate balanced Nuggets in Game 6

Facing significant injuries, the Minnesota Timberwolves will look to close out their Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 on Thursday in Minneapolis.

Minnesota briefly gained control of the series earlier, even managing a win in Game 4 despite losing star guard Anthony Edwards and starting backcourt partner Donte DiVincenzo to injuries. However, the momentum shifted in Game 5, where the Timberwolves fell 125-113 on Monday in Denver after failing to close out the series.

Edwards has been sidelined with a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee, while DiVincenzo suffered a torn right Achilles tendon. Both players were key contributors in Minnesota’s early series success. Edwards delivered a 30-point, 10-rebound performance in Game 2, while DiVincenzo combined for 31 points across Games 2 and 3, both Timberwolves wins.

Without their primary perimeter creators in Game 5, Minnesota struggled with ball security, committing 25 turnovers—its highest total in months and a major factor in the loss.

“A lot of silly, forced play by guys trying to make something out of nothing,” said Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, pointing to the breakdowns in execution. He also credited Denver’s defensive adjustments, noting the Nuggets began sending multiple defenders at guard Ayo Dosunmu for the first time in the series.

Dosunmu, a late-season addition via trade from Chicago, had stepped into a larger role following the injuries to Edwards and DiVincenzo. He erupted for 43 points in Game 4 and added strong scoring outings in Games 3 and 5, helping keep Minnesota competitive.

Outside of Julius Randle, who finished with 27 points in Game 5, no other Timberwolves player scored more than 13 points in the defeat.

Denver responded with a balanced attack, placing four starters in double figures. Forward Spencer Jones was a standout, scoring 20 points after seeing increased minutes due to forward Aaron Gordon’s calf injury issues. Gordon, who has missed multiple games in the series and remains questionable for Game 6, had previously averaged 16.2 points per game during the regular season.

Jones, who entered the series averaging just 5.5 points per game, delivered his best performance since December, including four 3-pointers in Game 5.

“It’s something that’s happened throughout the season—guys going down and me getting opportunities,” Jones said. “The role stays the same, the duties stay the same.”

His shooting efficiency could also help open the floor for guard Jamal Murray, who continues to lead Denver’s offense. Murray has scored at least 30 points three times in the series and is averaging 26.0 points per game through five games, ahead of teammate and former MVP Nikola Jokic, who is averaging 25.4 points.

Jokic delivered his strongest all-around performance of the series in Game 5, finishing with 27 points, 16 assists, and 12 rebounds. His efficiency has fluctuated throughout the series, but his impact remains central to Denver’s success as the Nuggets aim to extend the matchup to a decisive Game 7. -Field Level Media/Reuters