Overview
- Denver won Saturday’s opener 116-105, riding Nikola Jokic’s 25-13-11 triple-double and Jamal Murray’s 30 points with a 16-for-16 night at the line.
- Following a 33-19 free-throw gap that included Murray’s 16 attempts, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch called the whistles a head-scratcher, and Murray said each was a real foul.
- Minnesota’s ball movement faded after a strong first quarter, and late turnovers and missed rebounds spoiled Rudy Gobert’s 17-point, 10-rebound performance.
- Anthony Edwards had 22 points on 7-for-19 shooting, said he felt fatigued after a month out with a right knee issue, and faced tight coverage from Denver’s Christian Braun.
- The game turned physical with a Jaden McDaniels technical, Denver still shot just 10-for-36 from deep, and Game 2 is Monday at 10:30 p.m. ET in Denver.