Jamal Murray poured 30 points and nailed every one of his 16‑for‑16 free‑throw attempts, a franchise first, as Denver edged Minnesota 116‑105 in Game 1 of the first‑round clash. The Nuggets’ 30‑of‑33 free‑throw shooting kept a 15‑point cushion alive after a late night slump.

Denver’s dominant 30‑of‑33 free‑throw tally proved decisive when the Timberwolves could only hit one of seventeen shots beyond the arc in the second half. With Jokic limited and Gordon nursing injuries, Murray carried the offense, while coach David Adelman praised his composure under pressure through the rest of the game.

Coach Chris Finch noted the sheer volume of Murray’s free‑throw opportunities, saying sixteen attempts matched Minnesota’s total game output. He also highlighted the Timberwolves’ lack of composure late in the third quarter, a mistake that cost them a chance to close a seven‑point deficit before the final minutes of play.

With the series now 1‑0 in Denver’s favor, the Nuggets look set to exploit their free‑throw advantage while the Timberwolves must regroup. Murray’s flawless shooting and the team’s disciplined execution underscore a season where the Nuggets have turned clutch moments into decisive wins, solidifying their playoff credentials for the season.