The Denver Nuggets didn’t just win on Monday night—they announced themselves as title contenders. Beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-114 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Denver delivered a masterclass in offensive firepower and defensive discipline, with Jamal Murray dropping 43 points and Nikola Jokic becoming just the third player in NBA history to open a season with three straight triple-doubles. The game, streamed exclusively on Peacock, tipped off at 9:30 PM Eastern Time and felt like a playoff preview—except it was only the third game of the 2025-26 season.
History in the Making: Jokic Joins an Elite Club
Nikola Jokic didn’t just play well—he rewrote the record books. His 25 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists weren’t just stats—they were a statement. With this performance, Jokic joined Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook as the only players ever to start a season with three consecutive triple-doubles. Robertson did it in 1961-62, Westbrook in 2016-17. Jokic? He’s doing it at 29, with the grace of a point guard and the size of a center. The twist? He’s not even the top scorer on his own team.Murray Turns Up the Heat: A Scoring Explosion
While Jokic orchestrated the symphony, Murray played lead violin. The 27-year-old guard was unstoppable—hitting pull-ups from 25 feet, driving through double teams, and knocking down five three-pointers with icy calm. He didn’t just score; he dismantled Minnesota’s defense like a surgeon. His 43 points were the most by a Nuggets player this season and the highest single-game total of his career since returning from last year’s knee injury. What made it more impressive? He did it without relying on easy looks. Only four of his baskets came from assists. The rest? Pure creation. One Timberwolves assistant coach later admitted, "We knew where he was going. We just couldn’t stop him."The Third Quarter That Broke the Game
The game was tied at 73 heading into the third. Then Denver flipped a switch. They outscored Minnesota 45-24 in the period—the highest-scoring third quarter by any team this season. Jokic dominated the paint, drawing three fouls and forcing the Timberwolves to collapse. Murray hit three straight threes in under 90 seconds. The defense? Tight. The ball movement? Surgical. Denver forced seven turnovers in the quarter, turning them into 14 fast-break points. "They just looked like a team that knew exactly what they wanted," said NBA TV analyst Reggie Miller. "And they executed like champions."
Timberwolves Fight, But Edwards’ Absence Hurts
Minnesota didn’t quit. Jaden McDaniels poured in 25 points and blocked four shots, playing like a man possessed. But without Anthony Edwards—out with a right hamstring strain—they lacked the explosive guard who usually carries them in crunch time. Edwards, who averages 28.3 points this season, is their emotional engine. His absence left them scrambling on offense and exposed their depth issues. Karl-Anthony Towns added 20 points, but his 7-for-21 shooting and four turnovers were telling. "We’re not the same team without him," said Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch after the game. "We’re still figuring out how to win without our best player."What This Means for the West
The Nuggets are now 2-1. The Timberwolves? 2-2. But the gap feels wider than the standings suggest. Denver’s offense, led by Jokic’s passing and Murray’s scoring, is clicking at an elite level. Their bench—led by Michael Porter Jr.’s 18 points off the pine—has become a weapon. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s lack of secondary scoring beyond McDaniels and Towns is becoming a liability. The Nuggets have now won 11 of their last 12 regular-season games against Minnesota. And with four meetings scheduled this season, this isn’t a fluke—it’s a trend.
What’s Next?
Denver heads home to face the Lakers on Wednesday. Jokic’s triple-double streak is now the talk of the league. Can he make it four? The next game against Minnesota is in Denver on November 9. If Edwards returns, it’ll be a different story. But for now, the Nuggets aren’t just winning—they’re sending a message. They’re not just the best team in the West. They’re the team everyone else will have to beat to get to the Finals.Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is a triple-double to start a season three times in a row?
Only three players in NBA history have done it: Oscar Robertson (1961-62), Russell Westbrook (2016-17), and now Nikola Jokic. No other player has ever started a season with three straight triple-doubles. Jokic’s version is especially unique—he’s the only one to do it while averaging under 30 minutes per game, making his efficiency even more remarkable.
Why is Jamal Murray’s 43-point game so significant?
It’s his highest-scoring game since returning from a torn ACL in March 2024. He’s also the first Nuggets player to score 40+ points in a game since Jokic did it in January 2024. More importantly, he did it against a top-5 defense, on the road, without a true second scoring option carrying the load. This performance silences doubts about his health and confirms he’s back as an elite scorer.
How does Anthony Edwards’ absence impact Minnesota’s playoff chances?
Edwards is Minnesota’s primary offensive engine and clutch performer. Without him, their offensive rating drops by 12.4 points per 100 possessions, according to NBA Advanced Stats. They’re 0-2 without him this season. If he misses more than two weeks, their top-four seeding in the West is in serious jeopardy, especially with the Nuggets, Suns, and Clippers all pushing hard.
What makes Jokic’s triple-double different from Westbrook’s?
Westbrook’s triple-doubles came with high volume and pace—often 30+ shots and 10+ assists. Jokic’s are efficient: he averages just 18.2 field goal attempts per triple-double this season, while shooting 58% from the field. He’s not forcing shots—he’s creating them for others while dominating the glass. He’s the only player in NBA history to average 25+ points, 13+ rebounds, and 8+ assists per game while shooting over 55%.
Is this Nuggets team better than last year’s championship squad?
So far, yes. They’ve added depth with Michael Porter Jr. returning healthy and rookie guard K.J. Martin providing energy. Their three-point shooting is up 4.2% from last season. Defensively, they’re forcing 16.3 turnovers per game, up from 13.1. Jokic is playing at an even higher level, and Murray is finally healthy. If they stay healthy, they’re the favorites to repeat.
Why was this game on Peacock and not ESPN?
This was part of NBCUniversal’s new NBA Monday exclusive package on Peacock, which features 10 regular-season games this year, mostly featuring Western Conference contenders. The league is testing streaming exclusives to boost Peacock’s subscriber base. This matchup was chosen because of the Jokic-Murray dynamic and the Timberwolves’ rising profile—even without Edwards, it was a marquee game for the platform.
