Getty

Nikola Jokic says he has been "average" against the Timberwoles.

After losing Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to injuries against the Denver Nuggets in Game 4, the Minnesota Timberwolves had enough momentum to carry on through the end of the game and come out on top.

Game 5 was a different scenario, though. Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets’ backs were against the wall. Down 3-1, the Nuggets took on a Timberwolves team without the multi-time All-Star in Anthony Edwards.

Denver knew they were taking on a team missing a massive presence, but Nikola Jokic claims he’s doing what he can to keep his mindset the same.

Nikola Jokic’s Reveals Mindset Against The Ant-Less Timberwolves

GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 125-123. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

“I mean, he’s definitely one of the most dominant players in the NBA,” Edwards told reporters, regarding Anthony Edwards. “His impact is huge, but I think he’s going to play the next game. I don’t know why, but that’s my mindset.”

Edwards has been dealing with minor ailments throughout the playoffs before his latest injury. But the awkward landing in Game 4 was too much for his knee to handle.

The Timberwolves were relieved to find out that Edwards wasn’t dealing with a season-ending setback, but his first-round series is over. The Nuggets have faced Edwards for the final time this year.

GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 25: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates his three-point basket against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter of Game Four of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“They definitely, let’s say, miss an advantage on the court, and the guy who is making the advantage,” Jokic added. “Their coaching staff is so good. They always make little actions, little advantages for the players who can make a big advantage, if that makes sense. We need to think about us and not about them.”

The Magic Number Is 2

GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 09: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talks to head coach Chris Finch during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 09, 2025 in Sacramento, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

The Nuggets need two more wins to pull off the comeback.

Without Edwards and DiVincenzo, the Timberwolves are fighting an uphill battle. However, Jokic and the Nuggets aren’t overlooking Minnesota.

With praise for the Timberwolves’ coaching staff and the supporting cast, the Nuggets will still have their hands full on Wednesday, April 29, when the two teams battle it out for Game 6.