2026 NBA Playoffs open with Nuggets pulling ahead of Timberwolves; Rockets-Lakers set for late tip
2026-nba-playoffs-west-first-round-update
The 2026 NBA postseason tipped off Saturday, April 18, with the Denver Nuggets defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105 at Ball Arena to take a 1-0 lead in their Western Conference first-round series.
First-time All-Star Jamal Murray paced Denver with 30 points, seven assists and five rebounds, converting all 16 of his free-throw attempts—a franchise playoff record. Nikola Jokic, limited to six points before halftime, finished with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for his 22nd career postseason triple-double, trailing only Magic Johnson (30) and LeBron James (28) on the all-time list.
Denver seized control midway through the third quarter with a 14-0 burst while Minnesota missed nine consecutive shots. Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who is managing right-knee pain, sat for part of that stretch and closed with 22 points in 37 minutes.
The teams have now met 29 times over the past three seasons, with the Nuggets holding a 15-14 edge. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday at 10:30 p.m. ET on NBC, again in Denver. Minnesota’s immediate priority is limiting Murray’s penetration without excessive fouling; his 16 free throws nearly matched the Timberwolves’ team total of 19, though Minnesota did outscore Denver 54-38 in the paint.
Saturday’s playoff slate concludes at 8:30 p.m. ET when the Houston Rockets visit the Los Angeles Lakers. Los Angeles continues to lean on LeBron James after losing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to indefinite injuries, while Houston will be without Kevin Durant, sidelined by a knee contusion.
Source: ESPN
