SPORTS

Timberwolves eliminate Nuggets; Denver faces costly offseason

PUBLISHED May 1, 2026, 5:28 AM ET

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Denver — The Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA playoffs this week, completing a 4-2 series victory that ended Denver’s season after Game 6 on Thursday. The loss halted the Nuggets’ postseason run and sent the team into an immediate offseason reassessment of personnel and finances. This week front-office officials must weigh roster moves and luxury-tax implications: reporting places Denver’s guaranteed contracts at $204.5 million, above the projected $201.5 million luxury tax threshold, while restricted free agent Peyton Watson and rotation players such as Tim Hardaway Jr. complicate options. The Timberwolves advance to play the Spurs in the second round.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Regular season end: Nuggets finish with a 12-game winning streak and secure No. 3 seed.
Playoff start: Nuggets vs. Timberwolves first-round series begins.
Series progression: Timberwolves win series 4-2; Nuggets eliminated in Game 6.
Immediate aftermath: Coaches and players comment; social media trends target Jokic with 'chokic'.
Offseason onset: Nuggets face luxury tax decisions, restricted free agency for Peyton Watson, and potential roster changes.

News Intelligence

The Nuggets' loss impacts the NBA landscape and your bracket predictions. If you're a Denver fan, it's a tough pill to swallow. For Timberwolves supporters, it's a time to celebrate. And if you're a Spurs fan, you now know your next opponent.

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Who Benefited

The Minnesota Timberwolves benefited immediately by advancing to the second round, gaining postseason momentum and a clearer path for matchups while avoiding offseason payroll disruptions tied to Denver's luxury tax concerns.

Who Impacted

The Denver Nuggets organization suffered an early playoff exit, which creates urgent roster decisions, potential trades, large luxury tax obligations, and questions about preserving a championship window around Nikola Jokić.

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