Nikola Jokic had a historic performance for Denver, amassing 40 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists for their victory at Ball Arena and taking a 3-2 lead in their series against Indiana.
In an action-packed opening quarter, both teams exchanged baskets. Jokic led with 12 points as Denver took a narrow 27-26 advantage into halftime.
Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic took charge in Game 5 of Denver Nuggets playoff series against Minnesota Timberwolves, scoring 40 points with seven rebounds and 13 assists to become one of the top-10 fantasy playmakers this postseason.
Rudy Gobert may have been one of the premier defensive players in the league, yet Jokic had no issues against him. The Nuggets star shot 7-7 from the field against Gobert and has been one of the keys to Denver’s success during Round Two.
Murray had been experiencing some struggles throughout the first half, though his injury is no longer as serious. Nonetheless, he still finds ways to contribute despite limited mobility; hitting some big shots late in games made all the difference for Denver.
Jamal Murray
As soon as tipoff began, Target Center fans at Target Center erupted into an energetic “Wolves in four!” chant. However, Denver quickly assumed control and scored 14 first quarter points and continued their assault against Minnesota’s defense, which has allowed 5.2 points per possession on the road so far in this series.
Murray had an inauspicious start, but hit three ball and layup shots to help Denver move ahead by double figures in the second quarter. Additionally, Murray made two free throws that extended their lead by 23 points.
Minnesota could prove to be a formidable challenge when it comes to reaching the free throw line; their starting SGs have recorded the fourth-most 3-pointers per away game this season (2.6). Furthermore, Minnesota ranks as having one of the worst offensive rebounding offenses over their last five games and so should provide less opportunities at that end of the floor.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets battled it out in an exciting, high-level basketball encounter that showcased outstanding skill and strategy from both teams. Karl-Anthony Towns was particularly outstanding for Minnesota, scoring 20 points while also contributing effectively at both ends of the court.
Towns has averaged 27 points and 12 rebounds during his last two games against Denver, shooting 10-for-15 from the field and 3-for-5 from 3-point distance.
Towns made his presence felt early by getting a jump hook to fall and blocking Porter’s drive before hitting both free throws. Towns is an outstanding defender on both ends of the floor; his defensive efforts have been key in their team’s success; not many offensive rebounds come his way, yet his defensive efforts remain key in helping ensure its victory over many opponents this year. His personal foul average stands at 3.33, which is nearly one more per game than what overall average stands.
Anthony Edwards
After an uneven Game 4, Anthony Edwards rebounded with an incredible Game 5. The budding superstar scored 44 points on 16-of-25 shooting to tie his career playoff high and set a new Nuggets postseason scoring record with this performance. Additionally, Edwards contributed five rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block on his impressive night of offense.
Nikola Jokic took advantage of being home and his home fans to capture his third consecutive MVP award by crushing Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5. Jokic recorded 40 points, 13 assists, seven rebounds and no turnovers as Denver took a 3-2 lead in their semifinal series.
Jokic hit his opening three of the game before running back downcourt to find Braun for an epic tip slam slam that set off an explosive quarter for Denver as they went 5/9 from downtown. Malone received a technical foul, while Edwards made both of his free throw attempts, remaining an integral cog in their offensive unit that is particularly effective against Minnesota Wolves size and strength.
