The Timberwolves and Nuggets closed out the NBA’s Christmas Day slate with a game that felt like a sneak peek at a Western Conference playoff showdown. Two of the league’s most complete teams, both with legitimate title aspirations, went toe-to-toe in a battle that had everything-momentum swings, superstar performances, and a dramatic finish that left fans buzzing long after the final buzzer.
This matchup has quietly become one of the more compelling rivalries in the league. And on Monday, it lived up to the billing.
Minnesota and Denver each staged comebacks, refusing to let the other get comfortable. It was a game where every possession mattered, and both Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokic rose to the occasion with MVP-level intensity.
Edwards, in particular, was electric. The Timberwolves star poured in 44 points on 14-of-25 shooting, attacking the rim with his usual explosiveness while also knocking down shots from deep and mid-range. He was in full command-until he wasn’t.
With just 20.5 seconds left in overtime and the Wolves trailing 133-130, Edwards was hit with his second technical foul and ejected from the game. It was a gut-punch moment for Minnesota, and one that helped swing the momentum Denver’s way for good. The Nuggets ultimately pulled out a 142-138 win, handing the Timberwolves a painful loss on what had otherwise been a showcase performance.
Edwards didn’t hide his frustration in the moment, but true to his style, he didn’t let it linger too long either. Instead, he flipped the script-literally.
Shortly after the game, Edwards appeared in a humorous ad with Sprite, poking fun at his ejection. The spot features him writing “I will not get t’d up” repeatedly on a chalkboard, channeling the classic middle school detention vibe.
"I will not get t'd up"
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 26, 2025
Anthony Edwards is writing lines after getting two technical fouls and being ejected from Wolves-Nuggets on Christmas Day 🤣😭
(via @sprite/ IG)
pic.twitter.com/tBZsLSaG25
It was a clever bit of self-awareness from a player who’s not just a star on the court, but clearly understands the business side of the game too.
It’s classic Ant: take the heat, own the moment, and turn it into something memorable. While some players might stew in silence or fire back at officials, Edwards chose levity-and maybe even a little marketing genius.
Still, don’t mistake the ad for indifference. Edwards and the Timberwolves are likely carrying a chip on their shoulder heading into their next matchup. Sitting at 20-11, Minnesota has been one of the best teams in the West, and the loss to Denver-especially in that fashion-will only sharpen their focus.
They’ll get a chance to channel that edge on Saturday when they face the Brooklyn Nets. And while the Sprite ad might’ve drawn a few laughs, expect Edwards to be all business when the ball tips. The Timberwolves are still hunting for respect in a loaded conference, and their young star isn’t done making statements-on or off the court.