Jamal Murray turned the free-throw line into a difference-maker in Game 1, knocking down all 16 of his attempts as the Denver Nuggets opened their series with a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Murray’s ability to consistently convert at the stripe provided Denver with reliable offense throughout the night, a point of frustration for Minnesota as the game unfolded.
Early quiet from key Nuggets
While Murray carried the scoring burden at the line, the Nuggets didn’t get their usual early impact from two key pieces. Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon both had a quiet first half, leaving Denver to lean more heavily on Murray’s production to stay in control.
By the end of the night, Murray’s perfect 16-for-16 showing at the free-throw line stood as the defining statistical edge, helping Denver secure the Game 1 victory despite a subdued start from Jokic and Gordon.