Nikola Jokic celebrated his third NBA MVP award in style, dropping 40 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a commanding 112-97 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the NBA playoff second-round series on Tuesday night. This win puts the reigning NBA champions just one game away from the Western Conference Finals.
Jokic showcased his all-around brilliance with 40 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds, while remarkably committing zero turnovers. Aaron Gordon contributed significantly with 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Jamal Murray added 16 points to the scoreboard.
On the opposing side, Anthony Edwards struggled, managing only 18 points on 5-of-15 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 23 points, and Rudy Gobert chipped in with 18 points.
The Timberwolves, now facing their first three-game losing streak of the season, must regroup quickly to extend the series in Game 6 at Target Center on Thursday night.
Jokic’s MVP Night Shines Bright
Before the game, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver presented Jokic with his third MVP trophy in a heartfelt pregame ceremony. Jokic then proceeded to score 19 points in the first half, propelling the Nuggets to a 50-44 halftime lead. He continued his dominance in the third quarter, adding another 16 points and helping Denver extend their lead to 14 points.
A crucial moment came in the fourth quarter when Jokic’s powerful dunk with 7:12 remaining gave the Nuggets a 98-80 lead. Although the Timberwolves mounted a brief comeback to narrow the gap to 103-92, Jokic silenced their efforts with a clutch three-pointer over Rudy Gobert, extending the lead to 14 points with just over three minutes left.
Nuggets Maintain Control
Despite briefly trailing 55-53 early in the third quarter, Denver quickly regained control thanks to Jokic’s playmaking. He assisted on four consecutive baskets during an 11-2 run, giving the Nuggets a 64-57 lead they never relinquished.
Anthony Edwards, who had been averaging 33.3 points over the first four games of the series, struggled to find his rhythm. He missed eight of his first nine shots and had just five points by halftime, a key factor in the Timberwolves’ inability to keep pace.
Timberwolves Face Adversity
Minnesota faced additional challenges with veteran point guard Mike Conley being scratched just before tipoff due to a sore right Achilles. Conley sustained the injury during a missed three-pointer in Sunday’s game. Nickeil Alexander-Walker stepped up in his place, contributing 14 points and five assists.
Head coach Chris Finch expressed frustration before the game regarding the NBA’s $75,000 fine imposed on Rudy Gobert for a money gesture following a controversial call by referee Scott Foster in Game 4. Despite these setbacks, Finch sought to adjust the rotation, giving Monte Morris more playing time. Morris added six points off the bench.
Looking Ahead
The Timberwolves must now rally at home to avoid elimination and force a decisive Game 7 back in Denver. Meanwhile, the Nuggets, buoyed by Jokic’s MVP performance, are determined to close out the series and advance to the Western Conference Finals.
As the playoff intensity continues to build, all eyes will be on Jokic and the Nuggets to see if they can maintain their momentum and secure their place in the next round.
