Brian Windhorst slaps Timberwolves with desperate reality after Game 5 blowout loss to Nuggets

The Minnesota Timberwolves saw their series lead shrink Monday night, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst delivered a blunt assessment of their outlook following a 125-113 Game 5 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Minnesota now leads the first-round series 3-2, but mounting injuries have shifted the trajectory heading into Game 6. Windhorst addressed the situation Tuesday morning on Get Up, pointing to the Timberwolves’ health concerns and the stakes ahead.

“Over the weekend it was a strange sensation to be a Wolves fan when your team has just incredible back-to-back home wins to go up 3-1 in this series but you walk out of Game 4 knowing you may have just lost your entire backcourt – which is going to be the case for this series. Game 6 now becomes a must win for the Wolves. I don’t know what they’re longtime prognosis can possibly be this postseason, but just from a franchise standpoint, for their fans, they can try to win Game 6 because I don’t think they’re going to have a good chance in Game 7 if it goes back to Denver.”

Minnesota is dealing with significant injuries. Anthony Edwards suffered a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise in Game 4, while Donte DiVincenzo tore his right Achilles tendon early in that same contest. The Timberwolves’ depth was further impacted in Game 5 when Naz Reid turned his ankle after a collision with Tim Hardaway Jr. in the third quarter.

"Game 6 now becomes must-win for the Wolves. … I don't think they're going to have a good chance in Game 7."

—@WindhorstESPN on the Timberwolves needing to win despite key injuries pic.twitter.com/eCgeHf0zM2

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 28, 2026

Brian Windhorst cites turnovers, Nikola Jokic’s support as Wolves face must-win Game 6

Windhorst also pointed to Minnesota’s performance issues in Game 5, particularly its turnovers.

“I will say this game was characterized by an incredible amount of turnovers in the first half by the Wolves. The second half, they played a much more competitive game. Julius Randle had a very strong performance. Jamal Murray still didn’t have a great game against the defense of Jaden McDaniels so even though Denver has the health advantage now on their side, I still think Minnesota has some advantages in this series going back to Game 6.”

The Timberwolves committed 25 turnovers, which led to 35 points for Denver, while also allowing 23 fastbreak points. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 27 points, nine rebounds and six assists but also had five turnovers.

Windhorst added that Denver’s supporting cast made the difference.

“But the big difference here: Jokic’s supporting players hit their shots. Spencer Jones and Cam Johnson especially. When Denver is clicking on offense, they’re very hard to stop.”

With the series returning to Target Center for Game 6 on Thursday, Minnesota will look to respond despite its injury challenges, while Denver aims to complete the comeback and force a decisive Game 7.

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