The NBA's best rivalry delivered another classic Monday night, as the Minnesota Timberwolves battled back from a 19-point deficit against the Denver Nuggets to tie their playoff series at 1-1.What did we do to deserve this in the first round?This is the third time in the last four years these teams have met in the playoffs. Monday was their 30th game overall in that span, with the teams splitting those contests an even 15-15. They're so familiar with one another, the players can't deny it's a rivalry, which they typically downplay."I don't think there's anything else to call it but a rivalry," Anthony Edwards said before the series started.
Sure enough, that intensity has spilled over onto the floor.The Nuggets dug out of a 12-point hole to land their Game 1 victory. The Wolves responded with their own double-digit comeback win. Four-time defensive player of the year Rudy Gobert took out the frustration of a fourth-place finish in this year's award race by shutting down three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
We even got a tie-up between best players in the final minute, as Jokic tried to rip the ball away from Edwards and the two exchanged words.Jokić and ant go at it. pic.twitter.com/IJ6nORt7Pj— Tatiana (@Tatianaclinares) April 21, 2026This series has the goods. And it might get even spicier after Jaden McDaniels had some choice words about Denver following the win."Go after Jokic, Jamal [Murray], all the bad defenders. Tim Hardaway, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, the whole team.
Just go at them," McDaniels said in response to a question about what worked for Minnesota.Whew. That's the whole Denver rotation.That probably wasn't a wise decision by McDaniels, to poke at a prideful team with championship DNA. But I appreciate his commitment to our entertainment.
Because Denver won't take that lightly as the series shifts to Minnesota.The Nuggets might not become better defenders overnight, but they can certainly return fire on the other end. Especially Jokic, who had 24 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists... on a "bad night." He's a bear I personally would've left alone.With all the recent history between these teams, including Wolves president Tim Connelly as the common thread who built both, they didn't need added motivation to go at each other's necks.
They got it anyway, and I wouldn't be surprised if it breeds another seven-game masterpiece.Justin Jefferson excited about Kyler MurrayJustin Jefferson thought the Minnesota Vikings had a chance to compete for a Super Bowl last season. He made that clear in an exclusive interview with me the week before his old quarterback, Sam Darnold, led Seattle to the title.Jefferson doubled down on that desire for better QB play Monday, saying the addition of Kyler Murray was "really good to get some good talent in the room, to kind of give a little spark in that room."#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson on his reaction to Minnesota signing Kyler Murray:“My first reaction was just, it’s really good to get some good talent in the room, to give as little spark in the room.” pic.twitter.com/DWbzD29yPS— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) April 20, 2026Jefferson had more to say specifically about J.J.
McCarthy, who he believes can benefit from the competition.Quick hits: NFL draft big board ... cheap Blazers owner ... and moreIt's here, ladies and gentlemen: Christian D'Andrea's complete 2026 NFL Draft big board, ranking the top 79 players available in this week's draft.Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon is cheap... based on reports about his penny-pinching on some very basic NBA customs.Pirates outfielder Jake Mangum gave us the most heartwarming moment after tossing a ball two young fans.Draymond Green made a bold prediction about Steve Kerr's future with the Warriors.This was For The Win’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here.This article originally appeared on For The Win: Timberwolves star stokes Nuggets rivalry with 'all bad defenders' dig