The Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokić are on a clear path to securing the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs after a thrilling 116-107 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. The victory broke a tie in the standings and put the Nuggets in prime position for the top seed.
Jokić was the star of the game, finishing with an impressive 41 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 16-of-20 from the field. Jamal Murray added 20 points, and Michael Porter Jr. contributed 18 points and eight rebounds to help secure the win for the Nuggets.
With only two games left in the regular season, the Nuggets have a one-game lead in the West. If they win both games, they will clinch the No. 1 seed. However, they will face tough matchups against the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies on the road.
The Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder are also in the mix for the top seed, with both teams tied at 55-25 on the season. The Thunder have a challenging schedule ahead, facing the Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks in their final games.
For the Nuggets, securing the No. 1 seed would mark their second consecutive season at the top of the Western Conference. Last season, they went on to win their first-ever championship after earning the top seed.
The return of Karl-Anthony Towns to the Timberwolves lineup will be crucial for their playoff hopes. Towns, who recently underwent surgery, is expected to be available for the playoffs and could make a significant impact for the team.
Wednesday’s game between the Nuggets and the Timberwolves provided a glimpse of the exciting potential matchup in the playoffs, with both teams showcasing their talent and determination on the court.