The Denver Nuggets opened their 2026 NBA playoff series with a hard-fought Game 1 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday afternoon at Ball Arena, overcoming an early double-digit deficit to secure a 116-105 win and take a 1-0 series lead.
Entering as heavy favorites at home, Denver looked sluggish out of the gate but found life thanks to an energetic spark from Aaron Gordon. The Nuggets rallied impressively in the second half, flipping a sizable deficit into a double-digit lead of their own. Defensively, they did an excellent job containing a hobbled Anthony Edwards, who managed just 22 points on an inefficient 7-for-19 shooting from the field.
On the offensive end, the star duo of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray carried the load, combining for 55 points. Jokić delivered a classic triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Murray was especially sharp throughout the contest.
Yet as the Nuggets turn their attention to Game 2 on Monday night—still at home and aiming to protect their coveted home-court advantage—a lingering question mark continues to hover over the roster. The team has officially ruled out rising star forward Peyton Watson for the pivotal matchup, delivering a sobering update just hours before tip-off.
Watson, the 23-year-old fourth-year pro, has been sidelined since early April after reaggravating a right hamstring strain he originally suffered in February. Monday’s Game 2 will mark his seventh consecutive absence. The injury has proven stubborn and recurring, limiting Watson to limited action over the final stretch of the regular season.
Without Watson, the Nuggets have leaned heavily on wing contributors Tim Hardaway Jr. and especially Christian Braun. Braun delivered a strong performance in Game 1, logging 36 minutes with 12 points, eight rebounds, and a solid 2-for-3 showing from beyond the arc—areas where he has struggled at times during the season. Both players have stepped up during Denver’s recent 13-game winning streak, providing valuable minutes and production off the bench.
Still, the Nuggets are acutely aware that they are a more complete and versatile team with Watson available. At 6-foot-8 with elite athleticism, length, and defensive instincts, Watson offers a two-way impact that few other wings on the roster can match. He is a more dynamic scorer and a disruptive defender capable of guarding multiple positions—traits that become even more valuable in the physical, high-stakes environment of the playoffs.
For now, however, Denver must navigate the series without him. The team’s depth and the strong play of its available rotation have helped mask the absence thus far, but Watson’s potential return remains a key factor if the Nuggets hope to make a deep postseason run.
Protecting home court remains non-negotiable
The Timberwolves, despite the Game 1 loss, showed resilience and have every reason to believe they can steal a road win in Game 2. Anthony Edwards, still dealing with his own injury concerns, is expected to bounce back with greater sharpness and intensity. At just 24 years old, Edwards has already experienced deep playoff runs, including back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals. When the Wolves’ best player finds his rhythm, the effect often spreads throughout the lineup.
Minnesota understands the importance of splitting the first two games in Denver. If they manage to even the series at 1-1, the momentum could shift dramatically heading back to Target Center, where the Wolves have been a formidable home team.
For the Nuggets, dropping Game 2 would mean surrendering home-court advantage and facing increased pressure on the road. With memories still fresh of their painful previous playoff encounter against Minnesota, Denver knows it must play with urgency and focus to keep control of the series.
As the team prepares for Monday night, the focus will be on executing a cleaner start, maintaining defensive intensity on Edwards, and continuing to leverage the brilliance of Jokić and Murray. A win in Game 2 would put Denver firmly in the driver’s seat.
Whether Peyton Watson can return later in the series—or potentially deeper into the playoffs—remains uncertain. For the moment, the Nuggets must prove they are equipped to win without their promising young wing. If they can protect home court and advance, the eventual return of Watson could provide exactly the two-way boost needed for a serious championship push.