Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves elevates over Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets prepares to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves before the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets speaks to the officiating crew during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) of the Denver Nuggets defends Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets passes as Jaden McDaniels (3) and Naz Reid (11) of the Minnesota Timberwolves defend during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Alberto, a fan dressed as the Joker, watches as the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets dunks against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves steals the ball from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to being charged a technical foul during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets dribbles as Jaden McDaniels (3) of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) and Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves vie for a rebound against Justin Holiday (9), Nikola Jokic (15) and Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Peyton Watson (8) of the Denver Nuggets fouls Naz Reid (11) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Christian Braun (0) of the Denver Nuggets falls down as Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves secures the ball during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Karl-Anthony Towns (32) of the Minnesota Timberwolves locks up Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets pump fakes Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves before missing a three pointer during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Rudy Gobert (27) of the Minnesota Timberwolves receives a pat on the chest from Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win over the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Karl-Anthony Towns (32) of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets as he shouts instructions to teammates during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets makes a shot over Rudy Gobert (27) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks to pass after being fouled by Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves scores over Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a foul committed on Aaron Gordon (50) during the fourth quarter of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets passes as Naz Reid (11) of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends during the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Karl-Anthony Towns (32) of the Minnesota Timberwolves fouls Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets as he makes a three pointer during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to making a three, while drawing a foul from Karl-Anthony Towns (32) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone shouts during the fourth quarter of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets makes a three pointer over Karl-Anthony Towns (32) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets takes contact from Naz Reid (11) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets maintains possession of the ball as Mike Conley (10) of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends during the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Injured Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch works from a seated position against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets takes contact from Rudy Gobert (27) of the Minnesota Timberwolves as he draws a foul and converts the shot during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets battles with Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Mike Conley (10) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) and head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets argue about a defensive foul by Mike Conley (10) of the Minnesota Timberwolves with referee Courtney Kirkland (61) during the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets gets mobbed by Naz Reid (11) and Jaden McDaniels (3) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets dunks over Jaden McDaniels (3) Rudy Gobert (27) and Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Mike Conley (10) of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives on Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Christian Braun (0) of the Denver Nuggets misses as shot as Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends during the third quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets strips Jaden McDaniels (3) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets shouts flop as Jamal Murray (27) claps after Murray fouled Karl-Anthony Towns (32) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets defends Karl-Anthony Towns (32) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Reggie Jackson (7) of the Denver Nuggets steals the ball from Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Reggie Jackson (7) of the Denver Nuggets takes a breather against the Minnesota Timberwolvesduring the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Reggie Jackson (7) of the Denver Nuggets scores as Naz Reid (11) of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Mike Conley (10) of the Minnesota Timberwolves passes as Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets defends during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Rudy Gobert (27) of the Minnesota Timberwolves blocks Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Rudy Gobert (27) of the Minnesota Timberwolves throws the ball off of Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves growls after a three pointer by Naz Reid (11) against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Rudy Gobert (27) of the Minnesota Timberwolves swats a rebound away from Nikola Jokic (15) and Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Michael Porter Jr. (1) and Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets walk off the court after the fourth quarter of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets walks off the court after the fourth quarter of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 106-99 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
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Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves elevates over Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
ExpandBy AAron Ontiveroz | aontiveroz@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your player ready...
The Denver Nuggets lost the first game of the second-round NBA playoff series to the Minnesota Timberwolves 106-99 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Saturday night, May 4, 2024.




















































