NBA Playoffs: Nuggets Extend Series Against Wolves Behind Massive Jokic Performance

Nikola Jokic returned to his best at the most critical moment for the Nuggets. The Serbian center posted a triple-double of 27 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds, leading his team to a 125-113 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of their playoff series Monday night in Denver.

This performance marks the 23rd playoff triple-double of the Joker’s career, placing him third all-time in NBA history in that category. Denver, which had trailed 3-1, cut the deficit to 3-2 and snapped a three-game losing streak.

NBA

– Round 1

Denver Nuggets 125

Minnesota Timberwolves 113

Minnesota Without Their Starting Backcourt

The Timberwolves had to make do without their guards for this decisive Game 5. Anthony Edwards is dealing with a hyperextended left knee, while Donte DiVincenzo suffered a right Achilles tendon rupture in Game 4. DiVincenzo underwent surgery on Sunday, and Edwards is out indefinitely, though an MRI confirmed no structural damage.

Despite these major absences, Chris Finch’s squad showed character by cutting the deficit to 10 points in the fourth quarter after trailing by 27. Julius Randle led the offense with 27 points, while Ayo Dosunmu added 18. Rudy Gobert, who had been dominant defensively in the first four games, was neutralized and didn’t make his only basket until 20 seconds left in the third quarter.

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Nuggets on a Mission

Jamal Murray provided valuable support to Jokic with 24 points, while Spencer Jones delivered the decisive spark with 20 points. Jones, who had scored only 11 points across the first four games of the series, matched that total in just six minutes in the fourth quarter, including three three-pointers and a fast-break dunk that forced the opposition to call a timeout.

David Adelman knows that the absences of Edwards and DiVincenzo change everything for a Wolves team already limited in outside creation. Denver must take advantage of these injuries to reclaim control of the series.

The Colorado franchise is now attempting the comeback from a 3-1 deficit, a feat accomplished by only 13 of 299 teams in NBA playoff history. Ironically, Denver was the last team to pull it off, having done so twice — against the Jazz and the Lakers. Game 6 takes place Thursday night in Minneapolis.