Nuggets Lead Timberwolves in Western Conference

0:00The 2026 NBA playoffs tipped off Saturday with the Denver Nuggets grabbing a one-nothing lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Western conference. Jamal Murray dropped 30 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, going perfect from the free-throw line on 16 tries. Nikola Yokich bounced back from a slow start to notch 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists for another triple double. That game won win came in a 116-105 final, sparked by a 14-0 run in the third quarter where Minnesota missed nine straight. Shots. Anthony Edwards fought through knee pain for 22 points, but the Wolves couldn't keep pace despite strong pain scoring. Both teams have battled more than any other pair over the last three seasons, with Denver now holding a 15-14 edge. The Nuggets thrived on Murray's aggression drawing fouls, a hot topic in his rivalry that swings results. Game 2 goes down Monday at 10.30pm, Eastern on NBC, where Minnesota must tighten perimeter defense without fouling.

1:03Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets head to the Los Angeles Lakers at 8.30pm, Eastern Saturday, with LeBron James leading a banged up squad. Missing Luca, Don Chitch, and Austin Rees, and Kevin Durant questionable for Houston with a knee issue. Expect this series to stay tight as chess master's trade blows, setting the tone for a wild playoff march to the finals. Local news, powered by AI. This is California News Today.