The Nuggets have been waiting for the NBA playoffs to turn up the volume on defense. They got off to a successful start in Game 1 against the Timberwolves. Sustaining it will be a tougher task.

Denver Nuggets defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105, winning the first game of the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena, Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Jamal Murray gets a fair whistle and now suddenly he is gaming the system? Come on.

Nikola Jokic went for a triple-double, and Denver’s defense was as good as its been all season in limiting the Timberwolves to 105 points in Game 1.

It will be hard to find a starter, a testament to Denver’s retooled roster over the past three seasons. But the Broncos need to land a contributor, the type of player who can make a difference in a big game.

As Denver’s starting small forward alongside the star duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, Cam Johnson will be an X-factor for a team with championship ambitions this year.