On a disastrous night inside Ball Arena, the Nuggets were subjects of a defensive masterclass from the Timberwolves. With Minnesota threatening to take the first seed in the Western Conference, a Jamal Murray-less Denver squad struggled to find its offensive rhythm against one of the league’s best defenses, as it was held to 39.8% shooting in a 111-98 loss on Friday. Denver entered the home contest with a half-game lead over the Timberwolves and Thunder for first place in the West.