The Minnesota Timberwolves took a commanding lead in their best-of-seven series on Saturday night, defeating the Denver Nuggets 112-96 at Target Center. This Game 4 victory in the 2025-26 season NBA Playoffs gives Minnesota a 3-1 series advantage, leaving the defending-caliber Nuggets just one loss away from elimination as the series returns to Colorado.
Minnesota’s defense proved to be the difference-maker once again, holding Denver to under 100 points for the second consecutive game. The Timberwolves used their length and home-court energy to disrupt the Nuggets' offensive sets, forcing difficult shots and controlling the pace of the contest from the opening tip to the final whistle.
The victory came at a high cost for the Timberwolves, who saw guard Donte DiVincenzo exit the game with a ruptured right Achilles tendon. DiVincenzo is scheduled for surgery on Sunday to repair the injury, joining superstar Anthony Edwards on the sidelines and leaving Minnesota with a shorthanded backcourt rotation for the remainder of their postseason run.
Despite the mounting injury concerns, the Timberwolves' collective effort overshadowed a struggling Denver offense that lacked its usual fluidity. The Nuggets were unable to find a consistent scoring rhythm throughout the night as they grappled with the absences of key rotation players including Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon.
The decisive moment
The Timberwolves broke the game open during a clinical third-quarter stretch where they outscored Denver by double digits. By turning defensive stops into transition buckets, Minnesota built a lead that the Nuggets could not threaten in the final frame. The energy inside the arena reached a fever pitch as Minnesota converted multiple turnovers into highlight-reel plays, effectively silencing any hope of a Denver comeback.
By the numbers
- 112: Final point total for the Minnesota Timberwolves as they secured their second straight home victory.
- 96: Total points scored by the Denver Nuggets, who have struggled to find their rhythm in Minneapolis.
- 16: The final margin of victory for Minnesota as they successfully defended their home court.
- 3-1: The current series record in favor of the Timberwolves in this 2025-26 season NBA Playoffs matchup.
The statistical trend of the series has shifted heavily in Minnesota's favor following their consecutive home wins. Denver's offensive efficiency has plummeted since the series moved to Minneapolis, and the Nuggets now face the daunting task of winning three straight games to stay alive.
What it means
This victory puts the Timberwolves in a prime position to advance to the next round, needing just one more win to clinch the series. It also serves as a testament to their depth and mental toughness, as they have continued to win despite losing two of their most impactful players to significant injuries. The defensive identity forged by Minnesota this season has become their calling card, proving they can dismantle elite offenses even without their primary scoring engine.
For the Nuggets, the loss is a wake-up call that their season is on the line. They must find a way to solve the Timberwolves' perimeter pressure or face an early end to their quest for a title. The absence of Gordon and Watson has clearly impacted their defensive rotations and limited their ability to match Minnesota's bench production.
What to watch next
The series shifts back to Denver for Game 5, where the Nuggets will attempt to start a comeback on their home floor. Minnesota will be looking to close out the series and earn some much-needed rest for their battered roster, though they must now navigate life without DiVincenzo. The health of Ayo Dosunmu, currently listed as day-to-day, remains a critical subplot for the Timberwolves' backcourt depth heading into the next matchup.