Jokic's Triple-Double Leads Nuggets Past Anthony Edwards, Wolves as Fans React to NBA Playoffs G1

Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double to power the Denver Nuggets to a 116-105 Game 1 win over Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on Saturday.

After a quiet first half, Jokić took over, finishing with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists to lift Denver to an impressive series-opening victory.

The dominant showing comes on the heels of a historic season in which Jokić averaged a triple-double — 27.7 points, a league-leading 12.0 rebounds and 10.7 assists.

Jamal Murray led the way for Denver with 30 points, going a perfect 16-of-16 from the free-throw line, while adding five rebounds and seven assists in the win.

Aaron Gordon finished with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun each added 12 points.

The Nuggets held a clear edge at the line, attempting 33 free throws to Minnesota's 19 and converting them into 30 points.

Minnesota and Denver entered halftime tied at 62, with the Timberwolves paced by Jaden McDaniels' 12 points. Anthony Edwards added 11, while Rudy Gobert chipped in 10.

For Denver, Murray led the charge with 17 points, while Johnson added 10 to help offset a quiet first half from Jokic who finished with six points.

The Nuggets seized control in the third quarter, using a 14-0 run to swing momentum and push the Timberwolves on their heels, taking a 91-79 lead into the final period.

The Timberwolves closed the gap in the fourth quarter, pulling within two points but a 8-0 run down the stretch closed out the win for the Nuggets.

The winner of the series will face the winner of the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs and No. 7 Portland Trailblazers in the Western Conference Semifinals.