The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just beat the defending Western Conference champions — they outshot them from deep, outworked them on the glass, and sent a message before the season even really began. On Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, the Timberwolves rolled past the Denver Nuggets 126-116 in the opening game of the 2025-2026 NBA season. It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement — loud, crisp, and from beyond the arc.
First Quarter Domination Sets the Tone
The game started like a storm rolling in. Minnesota came out firing, dropping 40 points in the first quarter — the most by any team in an opening quarter this season. Rudy Gobert set the tone early, controlling the paint and swatting away two Nuggets attempts in the first five minutes. Meanwhile, Donte DiVincenzo and Terrence Shannon Jr. combined for 18 points, hitting four threes between them. Denver, led by Nikola Jokic, looked sluggish. The two-time MVP had just 8 points in the first 12 minutes, and his usual rhythm was disrupted by Minnesota’s aggressive closeouts.Denver Fights Back, But Can’t Close the Gap
The Nuggets responded in the second quarter, outscoring Minnesota 35-32. Jamal Murray found his stroke, dropping 14 points, while Aaron Gordon attacked the rim with ferocity. But for all their efficiency — Denver shot 54.7% from the field — they couldn’t contain Minnesota’s perimeter fire. The Timberwolves hit 15 of 30 three-pointers (50.0%), a number that would’ve been unthinkable against a team that led the league in defensive three-point percentage last season. Even when Denver cut the lead to six at halftime, the Timberwolves’ bench — led by Rob Dillingham and Zyon Pullin — kept the momentum alive.Third Quarter Breakaway
Here’s the thing: Minnesota didn’t need a miracle. They just needed to keep doing what they were doing. In the third quarter, they went on a 14-2 run sparked by three straight threes from Jaden McDaniels and Bones Hyland. Denver’s defense, usually so disciplined, looked confused. They switched too late. They rotated too slow. And when Jokic tried to single-handedly carry the offense, Minnesota doubled him relentlessly — forcing five third-quarter turnovers. By the end of the quarter, the lead was 16. The crowd, mostly neutral fans at the San Diego venue, started chanting “T-Wolves!” — a sound rarely heard this far from Minneapolis.
Statistical Edge: Shooting, Rebounding, and Turnovers
The numbers tell a story that goes beyond the scoreboard. Minnesota had 45 rebounds to Denver’s 42 — and 13 offensive boards that led to 18 second-chance points. They had 32 assists to Denver’s 27, showing ball movement that looked like a well-oiled machine. Most telling? The Timberwolves scored 20 points off just 11 turnovers. Denver, with 15 giveaways, coughed it up more often — and paid for it. Even with Jokic’s 31-point, 14-rebound, 9-assist triple-double, the Nuggets couldn’t overcome the collective efficiency of Minnesota’s attack.Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This wasn’t just a regular season opener. It was a psychological reset. Last year, Denver eliminated Minnesota in the Western Conference semifinals in six brutal games. This time, the Timberwolves didn’t just compete — they dominated in areas that used to be their weaknesses. Three-point shooting? They were elite. Ball movement? Flawless. Defense? Relentless. And Gobert, once criticized for being too passive, was a wall — blocking shots, setting screens, and even stepping out to guard pick-and-rolls. The venue itself was symbolic. Pechanga Arena, home to San Diego State’s Aztecs, hosted this game as part of the NBA’s push into neutral-site matchups. It’s a trend gaining steam — games in Las Vegas, London, and now San Diego. For Minnesota, it was a chance to play in front of a fresh crowd, away from the noise of Target Center. For Denver, it was a reminder that the league is catching up.
What’s Next?
The Timberwolves return home for their next game on October 8 against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Nuggets, meanwhile, face the Phoenix Suns on October 9 — a matchup that now carries extra weight. Both teams are expected to be playoff locks, but this game could shift the balance of power in the West. Experts are already asking: Is this the year Minnesota finally breaks through? Or was this just a fluke against a Nuggets team still finding its rhythm?Behind the Scenes: San Diego’s Unexpected NBA Night
Pechanga Arena, with its 20,000-seat capacity, was nearly full — a rare sight for a non-college game in the city. Fans brought Minnesota and Denver flags. Some wore custom jerseys with the names of lesser-known Timberwolves like Tristen Newton and Johnny Juzang. The NBA’s global push was on full display too: Hapoel Jerusalem and South East Melbourne also played games that night, underscoring the league’s ambition to become a true international brand.Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Timberwolves’ three-point shooting compare to last season?
Last season, Minnesota shot just 36.8% from beyond the arc — ranked 21st in the NBA. This game’s 50.0% clip was their best three-point shooting performance since January 2023. The improvement is tied to new offensive coordinator Mark Daigneault’s emphasis on movement and spacing, plus the development of younger shooters like Dillingham and Pullin.
Why was this game played in San Diego?
The NBA is experimenting with neutral-site openers to expand its fanbase in non-traditional markets. San Diego, despite lacking a team, has a strong basketball culture thanks to San Diego State’s program. The league hopes to build regional interest, especially with the city’s proximity to Los Angeles and its growing young population.
Did Nikola Jokic’s performance indicate a decline?
Not at all. Jokic posted a 31-14-9 stat line — his 117th career triple-double. But Minnesota’s defensive scheme, led by Gobert and McDaniels, forced him into tougher shots and limited his playmaking lanes. He had six assists in the first half but just three in the second — a sign the Timberwolves adjusted brilliantly after halftime.
What does this mean for the Timberwolves’ playoff chances?
This win signals a major upgrade in confidence and cohesion. Minnesota finished 52-30 last season — good for sixth in the West. With improved shooting and defense, they’re now legitimate contenders for the No. 2 seed. If they maintain this level of play, they could finally advance past the second round for the first time since 2004.
Who was Joan Beringer, and why was he listed instead of Jules Bernard?
That was a data entry error. The player is Jules Bernard, a 24-year-old guard from UCLA who signed a two-way contract with Minnesota this offseason. The name "Joan Beringer" appeared in early box scores due to a typo in the league’s official feed, which was corrected within hours.
How many NBA games have been played in San Diego this decade?
Only four. The last was in 2022, when the Clippers played the Lakers there as part of a regional series. This game marks the first time since 2019 that a regular season matchup between two top-tier Western Conference teams has been held in San Diego — and the first time the Timberwolves have played there since 2011.
