Julius Randle Explains 125-113 Loss as Timberwolves Vs Nuggets Turns to Game Six

The timberwolves vs nuggets series changed fast on Monday night. Minnesota fell 125-113 in Game Five, then kept only a 3-2 lead after losing Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to injuries that will keep them out for the rest of the best-of-seven series.

Randle on Minnesota Mistakes

Julius Randle said Denver's extra scoring came from what Minnesota gave away. "made shots — credit to them. But a lot of that was off our mistakes and turnovers."

He added, "They are not playing any differently than they’ve played all series" as the Nuggets forced the pace without letting Minnesota settle into the game. Denver never trailed after the first two minutes on Monday night.

Turnovers Changed Game Five

Minnesota turned the ball over 25 times, well above its 12-turnover average from the previous four games in the series. Those mistakes led directly to 35 points off turnovers for Denver, after the Timberwolves had allowed no more than 16 points off turnovers in any earlier game of the matchup.

That margin matters because Edwards and DiVincenzo were already gone before tipoff. Edwards was injured in Game Four at Target Center last week, and DiVincenzo suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in that same game, stripping Minnesota of its marquee scorer and its most effective role player for the stretch run of the round.

Denver Role Players Delivered

Cam Johnson and Spencer Jones combined for 38 points in Game Five. Across the first four games, they had combined for 61 points, and their production in this one kept the Nuggets from leaning only on Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

That shift left Minnesota facing a tougher formula heading into Thursday night’s Game Six at home. The Timberwolves still hold the 3-2 edge, but the series has tightened after Denver took control of Game Five and pushed the matchup back to Minnesota with the loss of two rotation pillars.