Jokic Started Ice Cold and Murray Never Woke Up: How Denver's Stars Buried the Nuggets in Six

The Timberwolves just ended Denver's season, taking Game 6 by a final of 110-98 to advance to Round 2. Minnesota took the series 4-2, and it wasn't pretty for the Nuggets when it mattered most.

Here's the thing: Denver had every chance to win this. They took Game 1 at home, 116-105. They were right there. But then the Timberwolves figured something out, and the Nuggets couldn't recover.

Jokic's Historic Slump Changed Everything

Nikola Jokic came into these playoffs as one of the best players in the league. Then he started shooting 39.7% through the first four games. That's not just bad for him. That's the kind of inefficiency that puts a 6-seed in a 3-1 hole real quick. By the time Jokic woke up, it was too late. The damage was done.

Murray's Series Was a Complete Disaster

Jamal Murray's numbers tell the whole story: 4-of-17 in the Game 6 loss. Across the entire series? 46-of-139 from the field. When your two stars aren't showing up, you don't advance out of the first round. It's that simple.

Game 2 went to Minnesota 119-114. Game 3 was a blowout, Timberwolves 113, Nuggets 96. Game 4 was the same story, Minnesota 112, Denver 96. The Nuggets got one back in Game 5, winning 125-113, but it was too little, too late.

What's Next for the West

Minnesota moves on to Round 2 as a 6-seed that's playing like a contender. Denver goes home early, and the playoffs just got a whole lot more interesting in the West.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.