The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 109-100, at Pepsi Center on Friday evening.

The Nuggets got out to a great start at home, as they took a 33-20 lead after one quarter. They maintained a comfortable lead through the second, but the Timberwolves trimmed it to a 10-point game by halftime. The Timberwolves came out strong in the third and brought it to a two-point game with four minutes left in the quarter, but the Nuggets pushed it back to a seven-point game entering the final frame. The Nuggets kept their foot on the gas to start the fourth and pushed their lead to 16 points, with 5:11 left in the contest. The Nuggets held on to earn their fifth straight win, while this marks the ninth straight loss for Minnesota.

Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 28 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals, in 36 minutes. Nikola Jokic added 22 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks, while Will Barton chipped in 13 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Nuggets shot 49 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from long range.

Meanwhile, in the absence of Karl-Anthony Towns (knee), Andrew Wiggins led the Timberwolves with 19 points, six assists, three rebounds, a steal and a block, in 37 minutes. Gorgui Dieng added 18 points and six rebounds, while Jeff Teague tallied 13 points, to rebounds and two assists. The Timberwolves shot 41 percent from the field, including 10-of-42 from long range.

The Timberwolves (10-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers on Saturday. The Nuggets (19-8) take on the Lakers in Los Angeles on Sunday.