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The Nuggets’ veteran sixth man Tim Hardaway Jr. could be the key to unlocking victory over the Timberwolves in their first-round playoff matchup.Denver Today
The Denver Nuggets are ready to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Playoffs, and veteran guard Tim Hardaway Jr. could be the x-factor. Hardaway has dominated the Timberwolves in recent seasons, averaging over 19 points per game against them while knocking down 3.8 three-pointers per contest. His scoring punch off the bench will be crucial, especially in the non-Nikola Jokic minutes where the Timberwolves have had success in the past. The Nuggets are a much-improved team from two years ago, with new additions like Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, and Bruce Brown complementing Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. This series won’t be the easy matchup some Minnesota fans have been expecting.
Why it matters
The Nuggets-Timberwolves first-round playoff matchup is a rematch of their 2024 conference semifinal series, which the Timberwolves won. However, the Nuggets have significantly improved their roster since then, adding key pieces like Tim Hardaway Jr. who have had great success against Minnesota. Hardaway’s scoring punch off the bench could be the difference-maker in this series, as the Nuggets look to avenge their 2024 playoff loss.
The details
Tim Hardaway Jr. has been a thorn in the Timberwolves’ side throughout his career, averaging 16.6 points per game against them over 12 NBA seasons. This season, he took his game to another level against Minnesota, putting up 19.6 points per contest while draining 3.8 three-pointers per game. Hardaway’s scoring ability will be crucial in the non-Nikola Jokic minutes, an area where the Timberwolves have had success in the past. The Nuggets’ bench was outscored by Minnesota’s in the 2024 playoff series, but with Hardaway leading the charge this time around, that dynamic could shift dramatically.
The Nuggets and Timberwolves will meet in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.In the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets in the conference semifinals.
The players
Tim Hardaway Jr.
A veteran guard in his 12th NBA season, Hardaway has been a key scoring threat for the Nuggets off the bench, especially against the Timberwolves. He averaged 19.6 points and 3.8 three-pointers per game against Minnesota this season.
Nikola Jokic
The two-time NBA MVP and the centerpiece of the Nuggets’ offense. Jokic will need to continue his dominant play for Denver to have a chance against the Timberwolves.
Jamal Murray
The Nuggets’ starting point guard, who has formed a formidable duo with Jokic. Murray’s scoring and playmaking will be crucial in this series.
Aaron Gordon
The versatile forward who provides two-way play for the Nuggets. Gordon’s health and production will be important against the Timberwolves.
Anthony Edwards
The young superstar for the Timberwolves, who will be looking to lead his team to victory against the Nuggets.
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What they’re saying
“He’s scoring in bunches. He’s not just coming in and just making shots. He’s doing a lot. He’s talking. He’s into the ball. He’s engaged in every shot. He’s engaged in every opportunity he has. He’s a starter out there.”
— Jamal Murray, Nuggets Guard
“He knows how to affect the game in his own way and just be super aggressive. He understands the game — time of the game, flow of the game, where to find shots, (and how to) just be a winner. He cares about playing hard.”
— Jamal Murray, Nuggets Guard
What’s next
The Nuggets and Timberwolves will tip off their first-round playoff series on April 16th. Game 2 is scheduled for April 18th, with the series shifting to Minnesota for Games 3 and 4 on April 21st and 23rd.
The takeaway
Tim Hardaway Jr. has emerged as a key X-factor for the Nuggets heading into their playoff matchup with the Timberwolves. His ability to provide scoring punch off the bench, especially against Minnesota, could be the difference-maker in this series. The Nuggets are a much-improved team from two years ago, and they’ll be looking to avenge their 2024 playoff loss to the Timberwolves.