When Jamal Murray dropped 43 points on the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Monday night, it wasn’t just a scoring outburst — it was a statement. The Denver Nuggets won 127-114, extending their early-season momentum and sending a clear signal to the Western Conference: they’re not just contenders, they’re dangerous. The game, played on October 27, 2025, and reported the next day, featured a historic performance from Nikola Jokić, who notched his third straight triple-double — 25 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists — while Murray carried the scoring load like a man possessed. The win improved Denver’s record to 2-1, while Minnesota dropped to 2-2, setting up a tight race in the Northwest Division.

Two stars, one unstoppable combo

Jokić’s triple-double wasn’t just impressive — it was routine. He’s now the first player in NBA history to record three consecutive triple-doubles to open a season since the 2020-21 campaign, and he’s doing it with the kind of effortless control that makes defenders feel helpless. He didn’t just pass or rebound — he orchestrated. Every time the Timberwolves tried to double-team Murray, Jokić found the open man. When they collapsed on him in the post, he kicked out for three. When they played off him, he dunked. It’s like watching a chess master play against players still learning the rules.

Murray, meanwhile, was on fire. He hit five three-pointers, drove through traffic like it was a Sunday stroll, and even got hot after briefly leaving the game with a minor tweak. He returned with 34 points — and kept going. His 43rd point came on a step-back from the left wing with 2:17 left, a shot that had the Target Center crowd groaning and the Nuggets bench erupting. He didn’t just score; he created. He set up Peyton Watson for back-to-back threes, one of which was partially blocked but saved by Cameron Johnson in mid-air, leading to a fast-break bucket that sealed the rhythm.

Timberwolves’ defense crumbles under pressure

For all their talent, the Minnesota Timberwolves looked disjointed. Jaden McDaniels was brilliant — 25 points, 4 blocks, relentless energy — but he was often left alone against Denver’s ball movement. Julius Randle added 19 points, but his decision-making was off, forcing contested mid-range jumpers when the Nuggets were giving him space. And then there was Rudy Gobert, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He finished with 11 rebounds and 3 blocks, but he was constantly out of position. Jokić drew him away from the rim, then slipped to the basket or found a cutter. Gobert, usually the anchor, looked like a man chasing shadows.

The Timberwolves started strong, leading by 8 in the first quarter. But Denver’s depth — from Bruce Brown to Zeke Nnaji — kept the pressure on. Minnesota’s bench, led by Rob Dillingham and Bones Hyland, couldn’t match Denver’s cohesion. By the fourth, the crowd was silent. The only noise came from the Nuggets’ sideline.

Division standings shift as Nuggets rise

With the win, Denver moved into a three-way tie for second in the Northwest Division with the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers, all at 2-1. Only the Oklahoma City Thunder — still perfect at 4-0 — stood above them. But here’s the twist: the Nuggets have now won two straight, while Minnesota has lost two of their last three. That’s not just a record. That’s momentum.

Early-season records are often misleading, but Denver’s performance suggests something deeper. They’re not just relying on Jokić. They’re building a machine. Murray is playing like an All-NBA candidate. Gordon and Braun are locking down defensively. Even the backups — Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valančiūnas — are contributing at a high level. This isn’t a flash in the pan. It’s a team finding its identity.

What’s next for both teams?

The Nuggets next face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, October 29 — a tough road test against a team with top-tier defense. But if they play like they did against Minnesota, they’ll be fine. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, host the Golden State Warriors on Friday. With their defense still searching for answers, they’ll need McDaniels to carry even more, and Gobert to finally show up as the anchor he’s paid to be.

For now, the story is clear: Jokić is playing at a level rarely seen. Murray is hitting his stride. And Denver? They’re not just in the conversation. They’re leading it.