MINNEAPOLIS — The Nuggets were the last team the struggling Timberwolves wanted to see on their schedule following their lowest moment of the season, a moment that caused a team meeting after Saturday's loss to Detroit.
Losers of six straight, the Wolves now had to contend, shorthanded, with the team leading the Western Conference.
Despite that, the Wolves found a way to knock off the Nuggets with contributions from almost everybody who was available to play in a 124-111 victory.
The Wolves led by 10 when Denver turned back to its starters with just over seven minutes to play and cut the lead to 105-103. The Wolves got key buckets from Kyle Anderson and a pair from Anthony Edwards to get the lead up to 114-105 and were able to coast from there.
Edwards didn't score in the first quarter but led the Wolves offensively with 29 while Anderson chipped in 19. Jaylen Nowell added 17 and Jaden McDaniels had 21 on 9-for-10 as the Wolves had to compensate on offense for the absence of Naz Reid (back spasms) and D'Angelo Russell (illness).
Nikola Jokic had 24 points, seven rebounds and nine assists for the Nuggets.
The Wolves came out with a burst of energy that got the crowd into the night early. They jumped out to an 18-11 and looked like they had a renewed vigor. The question was would it last?
