2026 NBA Playoffs: Insights from the Western Conference First Round
The 2026 NBA playoffs commenced on Saturday, and our NBA experts are providing comprehensive coverage for every matchup as teams progress toward the Finals.
The Western Conference kicked off with the Denver Nuggets facing the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Jamal Murray, a first-time All-Star this season, topped all scorers with 30 points, aiding the Nuggets in securing a 1-0 series lead. Nikola Jokic contributed 25 points, overcoming a sluggish first half. Anthony Edwards kept the Timberwolves competitive with 22 points, but it fell short.
The Houston Rockets are set to take on the Los Angeles Lakers in the day’s concluding game, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Lakers have had to navigate the end of the season without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves due to indefinite injuries, relying heavily on LeBron James. However, the Rockets may also be missing a key player, as Kevin Durant was listed as questionable on Friday due to a knee contusion.
More coverage:
East takeaways | Schedules and results | Offseason guides
(3) Denver Nuggets lead (6) Minnesota Timberwolves 1-0
Game 1: Nuggets 116, Timberwolves 105
Insights from Game 1:
Playoff Jamal Murray made an early impact this year. In previous seasons, Murray often delivered standout performances or crucial shots when the Nuggets faced adversity. This year, he started strong, leading Denver with 30 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, achieving a perfect 16-for-16 from the free throw line. Denver relied on every one of those points as Aaron Gordon encountered early foul trouble and Nikola Jokic had a slow start with just six points in the first half. Jokic found his rhythm in the second half, concluding with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, marking his 22nd postseason triple-double, the third highest in NBA history, trailing only Magic Johnson (30) and LeBron James (28).
Denver gained control of the game with a 14-0 run in the third quarter, during which Minnesota missed nine consecutive field goal attempts. Anthony Edwards was on the bench during that stretch as Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch sought to give him some rest before the fourth quarter. Edwards is still dealing with discomfort in his right knee, which will persist for the remainder of the season. He recorded a modest 22 points in 37 minutes. — Ramona Shelburne
Game 2: Timberwolves at Nuggets (Monday, 10:30 p.m. ET, NBC)
What to observe in Game 2:
These two teams have faced each other more than any other teams in the league over the past three seasons. With their victory in Game 1, the Nuggets now hold a 15-14 edge. This historical context is significant for the series, creating an intriguing tactical matchup.
Minnesota must leverage its size and athleticism to better contain Murray on the perimeter without committing fouls. His 16 free throws set a Denver postseason record (the entire Minnesota team attempted 19 free throws), highlighting his aggressiveness and the officiating style of the game. This aspect has been a contentious issue throughout this rivalry, noticeably influencing the outcomes of each game. It will be interesting to see if this dynamic shifts in Game 2, as the Timberwolves excelled in nearly all other areas where they typically perform well, finishing with 54 points in the paint. — Shelburne
