Nuggets vs. Timberwolves: 3 takeaways from Denver's lone preseason win

Down to their final chance, the Nuggets picked up their first win of the preseason.

Here are three takeaways from Denver’s 132-126 win over a Timberwolves squad that rested most of its rotation Thursday in Minnesota:

1. Jamal Murray eased some concerns in the preseason finale. Not only did he lead the starters with 29 minutes played, but Murray also scored 25 points in those minutes. He made all but one of the six 3-pointers he attempted and was perfect on eight free-throw attempts. He added five assists, two steals and two blocks. It was an easier night for Murray and the Nuggets, as the Timberwolves rested Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Naz Reid, Mike Conley, Jaden McDaniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Joe Ingles. Regardless, Murray finished the preseason on a much-needed positive note.

2. Congratulations to Julian Strawther, the winner of the Nuggets’ preseason. The second-year wing capped an impressive exhibition slate with his best of the five games. He needed just 13 field-goal attempts to drop a game-high 33 points. He made 5 of 8 shots from 3-point range and made 12 of 13 free throws in 30 minutes. He scored in double figures in all five of Denver’s preseason games and made multiple 3s in four games. The Gonzaga product looks up to the task of being Denver’s leading scorer off the bench.

3. There was plenty of good and bad from Russell Westbrook. He committed four of Denver’s 13 first-half turnovers and finished the game with five giveaways. After posting assist-to-turnover ratios of 4:1 and 3:1 in his first two preseason games, Westbrook’s ratio was 1:1 on Thursday. He did make 5 of 7 shots, including the only 3-pointer he attempted, against the Timberwolves to score 13 points, the most of his three preseason games. He finishes the preseason 5 of 9 from 3-point range. If that holds up and the turnovers aren’t an issue, general manager Calvin Booth will be looking pretty smart for picking up the veteran point guard this offseason. If the turnovers persist and the shooting dips, the minutes without Murray on the court could become an issue.

NUGGETS 132, TIMBERWOLVES 126

What happened: The Nuggets turned a three-point advantage after the first quarter into a 68-59 lead at halftime. Minnesota closed within six to start the fourth quarter, but the Nuggets held on to finish preseason 1-4.

What went right: Denver hardly missed a 3 in the first half, making 10 of their 12 attempts. Jamal Murray made his first three 3s, while Julian Strawther made four of his first five.

What went wrong: Turnovers allowed the Timberwolves to hang around. Denver turned it over 13 times in the first half. Russell Westbrook was responsible for four, while Murray committed three. The Nuggets did better in the second half, finishing with 19 turnovers.

Highlight of the night: Strawther saved his most complete play for the final quarter. After rushing out to block Rob Dillingham’s 3-pointer, Strawther leaked out to the other end. Trey Alexander got into the teeth of the defense and found Strawther on the left wing for his final 3-pointer of the night.

Up next: The Nuggets have a week off before opening the regular season against Oklahoma City on Thursday at Ball Arena.