The Nuggets were the last team the struggling Timberwolves wanted to see on their schedule following their lowest moment of the season, a moment that caused a team meeting after Saturday's loss to Detroit.
Losers of six straight, the Wolves now had to contend, shorthanded, with the team leading the Western Conference.
Despite that, the Wolves found a way to knock off the Nuggets with contributions from almost everybody who was available to play in a 124-111 victory.
The Wolves led by 10 when Denver turned back to its starters with just over seven minutes to play and cut the lead to 105-103.