Timberwolves and Nuggets Tied at Halftime in Playoff Game 1

The Minnesota Timberwolves faced the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round playoffs on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. At halftime, the score was tied at 62-62.

Field goal percentages were 53% for Minnesota and 45% for Denver. Three-point percentages stood at 44% for Minnesota and 47% for Denver. Free throw percentages were 82% for Minnesota and 90% for Denver.

Key

Player Performances A player for Minnesota made a driving layup assisted by Anthony Edwards, contributing two points.

A player for Denver made a 24-foot three-point jumper assisted by Nikola Jokic, adding three points. Nikola Jokic missed an 18-foot jumper just before halftime. Game leaders included J. McDaniels with 12 points for Minnesota and J. Murray with 17 points for Denver. Rudy Gobert led in rebounds with five for Minnesota, while Nikola Jokic had six for Denver.

Game Context and Odds The win probability at halftime was 65.8% for Denver according to ESPN Analytics.

Referees for the game were Dedric Taylor, Zach Zarba, Jacyn Goble, and Eric Dalen. Denver reported one injury, with a guard out due to a hamstring issue, estimated return on April 20.

Series

Overview This is the first game in the best-of-seven series.

Game 2 is scheduled in Denver, followed by Games 3 and 4 in Minnesota.