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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 05: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 05, 2025 in New York City.
Soon, the Denver Nuggets will host Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves for Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
After the Nuggets finished the regular season by locking up the Western Conference’s third seed, many fans suggested that the Nuggets got a matchup they wouldn’t desire.
However, both sides are embracing the moment. Following a practice session on Wednesday, Minnesota’s star guard Edwards was asked whether Denver-Minnesota is an NBA rivalry.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 1: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives past Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Ball Arena on March 1, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
While the term is often used these days loosely to add a little hype when it’s lacking, this series isn’t one of them.
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – OCTOBER 22: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 22, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
“Yeah, for sure. I don’t think there’s anything else to call it but a rivalry,” Edwards told reporters on Wednesday afternoon. “I think there’s a lot of rivalries in the league now. And me and Denver is one of them.”
The Nuggets and the Timberwolves met in the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2004 in 2023. The series needed just five games, as the Nuggets cleaned up with a 4-1 victory.
In the following year, the Nuggets and the Timberwolves met again in the second round. That series needed every matchup to settle the score. After the Timberwolves garnered an early 2-0 lead, the Nuggets fired back with two wins of their own.
The Nuggets went up 3-2 and had a chance to put the Timberwolves away. Instead, Minnesota managed to close out Denver with a 4-3 victory.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 08: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans in the fourth quarter at Target Center on November 08, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Pelicans 122-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
In 2025, the Timberwolves and the Nuggets didn’t clash in the postseason.
However, during the regular season, Edwards’ Timberwolves dominated with a clean sweep. That round of games last year led many to believe the Nuggets might want to find an alternative route in the NBA Playoffs.
But Denver has proven the Timberwolves might not be the dominant team in the rivalry this time around. Throughout the 2025-2026 season, the Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves three out of four games.
The rivalry continues on Saturday, April 18, with a 3:30 PM ET tip in Denver, Colorado.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA/NFL reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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