The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves clashed in an electrifying double-overtime thriller on April 1, 2025, at Ball Arena, with the Timberwolves edging out a 140-139 victory. This game, marked by Nikola Jokic’s historic 61-point triple-double and Anthony Edwards’ clutch performance, showcased individual brilliance and team resilience. For basketball fans and analysts, diving into the player stats from this matchup reveals key insights into what made this game a classic. In this article, we’ll break down the stats, highlight standout performances, and provide data-driven takeaways to help you understand the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves rivalry in 2025.
Why Was the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Game on April 1, 2025, So Special?
This game wasn’t just another regular-season matchup—it was a battle with playoff intensity. The Timberwolves overcame Jokic’s career-best performance, while Denver fought without key starters Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. With 21 lead changes and a dramatic finish sealed by Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s free throws, the stats tell a story of grit, strategy, and star power. Let’s explore the numbers and what they mean for both teams.
Game Overview: A Double-Overtime Nail-Biter
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Final Score: Timberwolves 140, Nuggets 139 (2OT)
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Date: April 1, 2025
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Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
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Key Moment: Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s two free throws with 0.1 seconds left in double overtime
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Notable Absences: Nuggets’ Jamal Murray (hamstring), Michael Porter Jr. (personal reasons); Timberwolves’ Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo (suspended)
Player Stats Table: Nuggets vs. Timberwolves (April 1, 2025)
Below is a detailed table of key player stats from the game, focusing on points, rebounds, assists, steals, and field goal percentage (FG%).
|
Player |
Team |
Minutes |
Points |
Rebounds |
Assists |
Steals |
FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nikola Jokic |
Nuggets |
52:38 | 61 | 10 | 10 | 2 | 62.1% (18/29) |
|
Russell Westbrook |
Nuggets |
– | – | – | – | 1 | – |
|
Anthony Edwards |
Timberwolves |
– | 34 | 10 | 8 | – | – |
|
Nickeil Alexander-Walker |
Timberwolves |
– | – | – | – | – | – |
|
Jaden McDaniels |
Timberwolves |
– | – | – | – | – | – |
Note: Some stats are incomplete due to limited data for certain players. For full box scores, visit NBA.com.
Standout Performances: Who Shined Brightest?
Nikola Jokic’s Historic Night
Nikola Jokic delivered one of the most remarkable performances in NBA history, recording 61 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists—the third 60-point triple-double ever and the most points in a triple-double. His efficiency was staggering:
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Shooting: 18/29 from the field (62.1%), 6/11 from three (54.5%), 19/24 from the free-throw line (79.2%)
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Impact: Played the entire second half and both overtimes (52:38 minutes), refusing to sub out
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Historical Context: Jokic’s 61 points were the highest in the NBA during the 2024-25 season and the second-most in Nuggets history (behind David Thompson’s 73 in 1978).
Despite the loss, Jokic’s performance solidified his case as a leading MVP candidate, averaging 29.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game this season.
Anthony Edwards’ Clutch Leadership
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, showcasing his two-way dominance. His fourth-quarter explosion (24 points after scoring 10 through three quarters) was pivotal in keeping Minnesota in the game. Edwards has now scored 25+ points in seven straight games against Denver, underscoring his status as a Nuggets nemesis.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s Game-Winning Free Throws
The unsung hero, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, sealed the win with two clutch free throws after being fouled by Russell Westbrook in the final seconds of double overtime. His composure under pressure was a defining moment, highlighting the Timberwolves’ depth.
Russell Westbrook’s Costly Mistake
Westbrook’s late-game sequence—stealing the ball, missing a layup, and fouling Alexander-Walker—was a turning point. While his competitive fire was evident, this play drew scrutiny. Nuggets coach Michael Malone defended Westbrook, emphasizing the team’s collective responsibility for the loss.
What Do the Stats Tell Us About Team Performance?
Timberwolves’ Bench Depth
Minnesota’s bench outscored Denver’s reserves 40-14, a critical factor in their victory. Without Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo, players like Alexander-Walker stepped up, showcasing the Timberwolves’ roster versatility.
Nuggets’ Reliance on Jokic
With Murray and Porter Jr. sidelined, Denver leaned heavily on Jokic, who played nearly 53 minutes. The lack of secondary scoring options exposed vulnerabilities, as no other Nugget matched Edwards’ output. This game highlighted the need for consistent support around Jokic, especially in high-stakes matchups.
Defensive Struggles
Both teams displayed offensive firepower, but defensive lapses were evident. The Timberwolves allowed 61 points to Jokic, the most ever by an opponent in their franchise history. Meanwhile, Denver struggled to contain Edwards in crunch time, underscoring defensive inconsistencies.
How Does This Game Impact the Nuggets-Timberwolves Rivalry?
The Nuggets and Timberwolves have developed a fierce rivalry, with Minnesota winning six straight games against Denver, including playoff matchups. This April 1 thriller added another chapter, with the Timberwolves proving they can compete in Denver’s hostile environment. The 2024 Western Conference Semifinals, where Minnesota pushed Denver to seven games, set the stage for this ongoing battle.
Historical Context
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Recent H2H: Minnesota has won 3 of the last 5 games against Denver, averaging 118.8 points per game.
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Playoff Intensity: The 2024 semifinals saw Minnesota’s defensive dominance in Games 1 and 2, countered by Jokic’s 40-point Game 5 masterpiece.
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Key Players: Edwards and Jokic are the faces of this rivalry, consistently delivering in big moments.
Practical Tips for Fans Analyzing Player Stats
Want to dive deeper into NBA player stats like a pro? Here are some tips:
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Use Reliable Sources: Websites like NBA.com, ESPN, and StatMuse offer detailed box scores and advanced metrics.
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Focus on Efficiency: Look beyond points—check FG%, true shooting percentage, and plus/minus to gauge a player’s impact.
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Context Matters: Injuries (e.g., Murray’s absence) and minutes played (e.g., Jokic’s 52:38) affect performance.
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Track Trends: Edwards’ consistent scoring against Denver is a trend worth monitoring for future matchups.
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Leverage Visualization Tools: Use shot charts on NBA.com to see where players scored most effectively.
Common Questions About Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Stats
Who Had the Most Points in the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Game on April 1, 2025?
Nikola Jokic led all scorers with 61 points, a career-high and the most in the NBA during the 2024-25 season.
How Did Anthony Edwards Perform Against the Nuggets?
Anthony Edwards scored 34 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists, with 24 points coming in the fourth quarter and overtime periods.
What Was the Turning Point of the Game?
Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s two free throws with 0.1 seconds left in double overtime, following Westbrook’s missed layup and foul, secured the Timberwolves’ victory.
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Conclusion
The April 1, 2025, matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves was a showcase of NBA excellence, with Jokic’s historic triple-double and Edwards’ clutch heroics stealing the spotlight. The stats reveal a tale of individual brilliance, team depth, and a rivalry heating up. As both teams vie for playoff positioning, this game serves as a reminder of their potential to dominate the Western Conference.
