Getty

Julius Randle and Nikola Jokic are separated during a late-game altercation between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets in Game 4.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are one win from advancing.

Now, they’re waiting.

After a late-game altercation in Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets, the NBA has launched an investigation that could impact Minnesota’s chance to close out the series.

According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, rulings are expected before Monday night’s Game 5 in Denver.

“The NBA investigation is underway into the Denver Nuggets-Minnesota Timberwolves scuffle Saturday night, including interviews with involved players and officials and review of the footage, sources tell ESPN. Rulings are expected before Game 5 on Monday night in Denver,” Charania wrote on X.

Jaden McDaniels’ Late Basket Sparks Confrontation

The sequence began with 1.3 seconds remaining in Minnesota’s 112-96 win.

Jaden McDaniels pushed the ball in transition and finished with an uncontested layup, adding a final score to a game already decided.

“Clock still be running,” McDaniels said. “So I’m going to go score.”

The play triggered an immediate reaction from Nikola Jokic, who sprinted from near half court to confront McDaniels.

Jokic made contact, pushing McDaniels toward the sideline, and McDaniels responded by grabbing Jokic’s jersey as players gathered around.

Julius Randle Ejection Adds to Suspension Concerns

The situation escalated when Julius Randle entered the altercation, adding to the physical exchange.

Both Jokic and Randle were ejected following review, leaving open the possibility of further discipline.

“I don’t know what [Jokic] said,” McDaniels said. “I just seen someone who was big as hell.”

NBA Review Focuses on Bench Movement and Proximity

The league’s review will examine whether any players left the bench area — a rule that has historically led to suspensions.

However, recent adjustments to the rule allow for more discretion, factoring in how far players traveled and whether they entered the immediate vicinity of the altercation, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.

“Of note in investigation: NBA altered leaving the bench rule a few years ago. No longer as strict as Suns ruling 20 years ago. Takes into account distance player traveled and extent in which they entered immediate proximity of altercation,” Slater wrote on X.

That distinction could play a key role in determining whether additional discipline is issued.

Injuries Already Testing Timberwolves Depth

GettyAnthony Edwards reacts in pain after suffering an apparent left knee injury during Game 4 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.

Minnesota is already dealing with significant injuries.

Donte DiVincenzo is out for the season with a torn Achilles, while Anthony Edwards is out multiple weeks after sustaining a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee.

Despite those setbacks, the Timberwolves have won three straight games, taking control of the series.

Reserve guard Ayo Dosunmu led the way in Game 4 with 43 points in a breakout performance.

Game 5 Looms as Pivotal Moment in Series

With a chance to eliminate a Nuggets team that won the title in 2023, the Timberwolves now face an added layer of uncertainty.

The NBA’s ruling — expected before Game 5 — could reshape rotations in a game that may decide the series.

Minnesota has the momentum.

Whether it carries through may depend on a decision that comes before the next tipoff.