History of Nuggets–Timberwolves rivalry in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2026

The Nuggets-Timberwolves rivalry is an NBA rivalry between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. It gained prominence in recent years, particularly during the 2023 NBA Playoffs when the Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves in a hard-fought series. Key players such as Nikola Jokic (Nuggets) and Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves) have fueled the rivalry with their on-court performances and competitive spirit. This matchup represents a clash between two ascending teams in the Western Conference, with both organizations vying for championship contention. The rivalry is expected to intensify in the coming seasons due to the young talent on both teams and their shared ambition for success.

1989: Timberwolves Establishment

In 1989, the NBA granted one of its four new expansion teams to original owners Harvey Ratner and Marv Wolfenson, leading to the establishment of the Timberwolves for the 1989 season. The Timberwolves were placed in the Midwest Division, where they competed alongside the Denver Nuggets.

1995: Nuggets End Postseason Absence

In the 1995 season, the Nuggets, led by Carmelo Anthony, ended their eight-year postseason absence, finishing with a 43–39 record and securing the eighth seed in the Western Conference. This marked their return to the playoffs for the first time since the 1995 season.

2003: Timberwolves Acquire Sprewell and Cassell

In the 2003 season, the Timberwolves acquired Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell to bolster their roster. These players, along with Kevin Garnett, helped the Timberwolves secure the number one seed in the Western Conference. This marked a significant milestone for the franchise.

2003: Timberwolves Advance to Western Conference Finals

In the 2003 season, the Timberwolves defeated the reigning champions Nuggets, in game 7 with a score of 98-90. This victory marked the largest comeback (20 points) in game 7 history, eliminated the reigning champions Nuggets, and advanced them to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since the 2003 season.

2003: Timberwolves Return to Playoffs

In the first final-day play-in game in the NBA in 21 years, the Timberwolves secured a 112–106 victory against the Nuggets, marking their return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2003 season. This win ended their thirteen-year postseason drought and eliminated the Nuggets.

2004: First Playoff Meeting

In 2004, the Nuggets and Timberwolves had a playoff meeting, marking an early encounter in what would become a more intense rivalry in the 2020s.

2016: Finch as Assistant Coach for the Nuggets

In the 2016 season, Chris Finch served as an assistant coach for the Nuggets before his appointment as head coach for the Timberwolves in the 2020 season.

2017: Booth Recruited From Timberwolves

In 2017, Calvin Booth was recruited from the Timberwolves by the Nuggets to fill the void left by Tim Connelly in the front office.

2017: Playoff Aims

In the 2017 NBA season, the Timberwolves aimed to end a thirteen-year postseason drought, while the Nuggets were looking to break a four-year playoff drought, setting the stage for a competitive season.

April 9, 2018: Playoff Showdown Set

On April 9, 2018, the Timberwolves and Nuggets had matching records of 46–35. This set the stage for a decisive showdown on April 11, where the winner would secure the last playoff spot and the loser would be eliminated.

2020: Timberwolves Appoint Chris Finch

In the 2020 season, the Timberwolves dismissed head coach Ryan Saunders and appointed Chris Finch as their new head coach. Finch previously served as an assistant coach for the Nuggets during the 2016–17 season.

2022: Timberwolves Struggle, Nuggets Excel

In the 2022 NBA season, despite acquiring Rudy Gobert, the Timberwolves struggled with their offense, leading to a disappointing season. Conversely, the Nuggets excelled, finishing with the best record in the Western Conference at 53-29 for the first time in franchise history.

2022: Timberwolves Secure Tim Connelly

In the 2022 season, the Timberwolves secured Tim Connelly as their president, signing him to a 5-year, $40 million contract. Connelly assumed the same position he held with the Nuggets.

2023: Nuggets Win NBA Finals

In 2023, the Nuggets won the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, securing their first NBA Finals championship in franchise history after 47 seasons in the NBA. The Timberwolves, as the 8th seed, lost to the Nuggets in 5 games during the first round of the playoffs.

2023: Battle for Northwest Division Title

In the 2023 NBA season, the Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder battled for the Northwest divisional title. The Thunder ultimately claimed the title due to tiebreakers, with the Nuggets and Timberwolves securing the 2nd and 3rd seeds, respectively.

2024: Playoff Series Set

In the 2024 playoffs, the Timberwolves achieved their first-ever franchise sweep and their first playoff series win in 20 years by defeating the Phoenix Suns, while the Nuggets emerged victorious over the Los Angeles Lakers. This paved the way for a series between the two teams in the Semifinals.

2025: Nuggets Defeat Timberwolves in Overtime

On Christmas Day 2025, the Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves 142–138 in overtime. Nikola Jokić scored an NBA-record 18 points in overtime, finishing with a 56-point triple-double.

2026: Timberwolves Eliminate Nuggets in Playoffs

In the 2026 playoffs, the Timberwolves eliminated the Nuggets in six games in the first round, fueled by strong defense and historic performances. The series was marked by a physical altercation, injuries, and a volatile atmosphere.