On a blisteringly hot Saturday night in Las Vegas, the Minnesota Timberwolves faced the Denver Nuggets in their second game of the 2026 Summer League. The Wolves entered the contest shorthanded: forward Joan Beringer sat out with back tightness, guard Trey Kaufmann-Renn left after the first half with a mouth contusion, and forward Enrique Freeman briefly exited after hitting his head on the floor before returning later. Denver took advantage and posted a 101-82 victory, handing Minnesota its first loss of the tournament.
Zyon Pullin led Minnesota’s effort with 24 points, five rebounds and three assists. He shot efficiently from the field and knocked down a couple of three-pointers, providing the bulk of the Wolves’ scoring output. Pullin’s production highlighted his continued development in the league and kept the Wolves competitive despite the early foul trouble.
Second-round pick Isaiah Evans made his Summer League debut amid the LaMelo Ball trade finalization. Evans struggled to find a rhythm, converting only two of his fifteen attempts and missing all of his three-point tries. The rookie’s rough start underscored the adjustment period many young players face when transitioning to the professional level.
Center Rocco Zikarsky also had a challenging night offensively, making just three of eleven shots and missing all of his attempts from beyond the arc. However, he contributed five blocks, using his size to protect the rim and provide a defensive spark for the Wolves.
The sizable loss puts Minnesota in a do-or-die position for the remainder of the Summer League. To stay alive in the playoff picture, the Wolves must win both of their remaining games and do so by decisive margins. Their next matchup comes on Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers, with tip-off set for 10 p.m. CT in the same Vegas arena. The upcoming contest offers a chance to rebound and keep semifinal hopes intact.
While Evans and the rest of the roster worked on the floor, veteran guard Jaylen Clark, who recently signed a three-year contract, was in attendance and spoke with the Star Tribune about his new deal. Clark’s presence signals the organization’s blend of veteran stability and youthful experimentation as the team evaluates talent ahead of the regular season.
