Nikola Jokic takes over again, Game 5 goes to the Nuggets: “We can win in many ways”

With their season on the brink, the Denver Nuggets found themselves again. Delivering a complete, intense performance worthy of their reputation, Denver defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 125-113 in Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs, cutting the series deficit to 3-2. Game 6 will be played Thursday night in Minneapolis.

Nikola Jokic stopped spinning his wheels right when his team needed him most. The Serbian center finished with 27 points, 16 assists, and 12 rebounds, recording his 23rd playoff triple-double – the third-most in league history – and providing the spark the Nuggets needed to snap a three-game losing streak.

Jamal Murray added 24 points, while Spencer Jones emerged as the true X-factor of the night. Inserted into the starting lineup in place of the injured Aaron Gordon (calf strain), Jones scored 20 points, including three three-pointers and a fast-break dunk in the fourth quarter that erased any remaining hope for Minnesota.

We’re a multidimensional team, capable of winning in many ways

Spencer Jones

Injuries slow down the T’Wolves

The Timberwolves took the floor without their full backcourt: Anthony Edwards was sidelined with a knee sprain, while Donte DiVincenzo has already undergone surgery after suffering a torn Achilles. Both were injured in Game 4. During Monday night’s game, Naz Reid also briefly left the floor with a right ankle sprain.

Speaking about Edwards’ absence, Jokic highlighted how much it changes Minnesota’s game:

They lose an advantage on the floor and the player who creates advantages. But their coaching staff is very strong – they always find small situations, small edges for their players that can turn into big advantages

Nikola Jokic

A composed analysis that underscores how dangerous Minnesota remains even without its star.

In that context, Julius Randle led the way with 27 points, openly acknowledging the value of Jokic and his teammates:

They have championship DNA. They showed it tonight on their home floor. Now it’s on us to close it out in Minneapolis

Julius Randle

Jokic and the late-game provocation

Game 5 also featured moments of tension. With about 30 seconds remaining, Nikola Jokic pretended to hand the ball to the Timberwolves – a gesture that appeared to be a direct response to what happened in Game 4 and the increasingly heated rivalry between the two teams.

After the game, however, he shut down the controversy with two simple words:

Next question

Nikola Jokic

In the background, the rivalry continues to intensify: Jaden McDaniels, at the center of the controversial Game 4 incident that led to ejections and fines, struggled under foul trouble and the pressure of the Ball Arena crowd, which booed him every time he touched the ball. He finished with 13 points and left the court with a promise:

We lost this game. We’ll win the next one

Jaden McDaniels

The historic comeback Denver is chasing

To complete the comeback, Denver will need to win the next two games. Doing so would place them in an exclusive group: only 13 teams out of 299 in NBA playoff history have ever overcome a 3-1 deficit. The Nuggets were the last to do it – twice – in the 2020 bubble, against the Jazz and the Lakers.

Head coach David Adelman kept things in perspective:

It’s a good win, and then you move on. Tomorrow we’ll talk with the guys, Wednesday we prepare, and Thursday we try to win

David Adelman

Now, the stage shifts to Minneapolis.