Jokic's trio-double powers Nuggets past Wolves in series-opening slugfest

Nikola Jokic did what Nikola Jokic does in the playoffs: dominated absolutely everything. The reigning MVP posted his signature triple-double performance with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists as the Denver Nuggets dispatched the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105 in a chippy, physical Game 1 battle.

Jamal Murray was the other star, dropping 30 points on a perfect 16-for-16 performance from the free-throw line. This is classic Nuggets playoff basketball—Jokic controlling the game on both ends of the court, Murray providing the scoring punch, and the rest of the roster filling in around them.

The regular season numbers told the whole story: Jokic averaged 35.8 points, 15 rebounds, and 11.3 assists against Minnesota across four meetings. When one player is that overwhelming against a specific opponent, playoff series become predictable. Denver won the season series 3-1, and Game 1 proved that trend was no fluke.

The Timberwolves' 49-33 record and sixth seed has them facing an uphill climb against the third-seeded Nuggets. Jokic's playoffs always remind people why he's in the conversation for the greatest all-around talent in basketball. Game 2 is Monday in Denver.