2025 Denver Nuggets playoffs scenario after brutal loss vs Timberwolves: Updated standings, schedule and more (April 1)

The Denver Nuggets suffered a heartbreaking defeat on Tuesday night, falling short in double overtime to the Minnesota Timberwolves despite a career-best performance from MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. He poured in 61 points on an efficient 18-for-28 shooting, adding 11 rebounds and 10 assists, but Denver ultimately fell 140-139.

Aaron Gordon delivered a strong complementary performance with 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Christian Braun (18) and Russell Westbrook combined for 30 points. Despite multiple chances to seal the game in both overtime periods, the Nuggets couldn't close it out.

With the Nuggets up 139-138 in the second overtime period, Westbrook came up with a clutch steal but couldn't capitalize on a fast-break layup. Minnesota recovered, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker was fouled by Westbrook as he launched a last-second 3-pointer with 0.1 ticks left.

Alexander-Walker sank his first two free throws before intentionally missing the third to seal the gritty win for the Timberwolves.

The loss snapped Denver’s two-game winning streak and marked its fourth defeat in the last eight contests.

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Denver Nuggets playoff picture: Updated standings

The Denver Nuggets dropped to 47-29 with the loss, maintaining their hold on the third seed in the Western Conference but now just half a game ahead of the surging LA Lakers, who have won two straight.

They remain 2.5 games ahead of the No. 5 Golden State Warriors and three games ahead of both the Memphis Grizzlies and Timberwolves, who sit at 44-32.

Despite the setback, Denver still has a realistic shot at climbing to the No. 2 seed, as the Houston Rockets hold just a two-game edge over them.

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Denver Nuggets playoff picture: Remaining schedule

The final six games will be crucial not just for the Denver Nuggets but for the entire Western Conference race. According to Tankathon, Denver has the ninth-toughest remaining schedule based on opponent win percentage.

Their final stretch is evenly split between home and road matchups. After Tuesday’s double-overtime loss, they return home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, followed by a road showdown against the Golden State Warriors on Friday.

They then host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday before heading to Sacramento for a matchup with the Kings next Wednesday.

The Nuggets will close out the regular season with two key matchups against teams they are battling in the standings — hosting the Grizzlies on April 11 before traveling to Houston for a potential playoff-seeding decider against the Rockets on April 13.