Timberwolves Dominate Nuggets in Las Vegas Summer League Matchup, 94-83
A strong performance from first-round pick Terrence Shannon Jr. and a decisive advantage off the bench propelled the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 94-83 victory over the Denver Nuggets in a Saturday night NBA2K26 Summer League contest at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. The win showcased the Timberwolves’ depth and potential as they continue their summer development.
Timberwolves’ Second Unit Shines
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ victory was largely fueled by a dominant showing from their reserves. Outscoring the Nuggets’ bench 36-29, the Timberwolves’ depth proved to be a critical factor in securing the win. This performance highlights the team’s ability to maintain a high level of play even when key starters are resting.
Shannon Jr. Leads the Way
Terrence Shannon Jr., the Timberwolves’ 2024 first-round draft pick, led all scorers with a game-high 24 points. The promising rookie demonstrated a well-rounded game, adding seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal to his scoring tally. His performance is an encouraging sign for the Timberwolves’ future.
Beyond Shannon Jr., several Timberwolves players contributed significantly to the offensive effort. Rob Dillingham added 15 points, along with nine assists, four rebounds, and three steals, showcasing his playmaking abilities. Tristen Newton chipped in with 12 points, three assists, and one rebound, while 17th overall pick Joan Beringer provided seven points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one block.
Nuggets Struggle to Keep Pace
Despite a competitive first quarter, where the Nuggets trailed 25-20, they were unable to overcome the Timberwolves’ consistent pressure. Denver’s offense struggled to find a rhythm, and they were ultimately outmatched in key statistical categories.
Spencer Jones led the Nuggets with 19 points and six rebounds. Hunter Tyson and Tamar Bates each contributed 13 points, with Tyson also securing seven boards. Tyrell Harrison and Curtis Jones added 10 points apiece, but their efforts were not enough to close the gap.
Key Moments and Statistical Highlights
The game remained competitive early on, but a 12-6 run by the Timberwolves over the first 4:35 of the final period effectively sealed the victory. Minnesota also dominated in fast-break points, finishing with a commanding 15-3 advantage. This aggressive offensive approach proved difficult for the Nuggets to contain.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will return to action on Tuesday. The Timberwolves will face the Detroit Pistons in the first game of the day, while the Nuggets will take on the Toronto Raptors later that evening. These upcoming matchups will provide further opportunities for player development and evaluation as the Summer League progresses.
