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Nuggets win Game 5 as Jokic ties triple-double record.

4/28/2026

Summary

Jokic Triple-Double

Denver Nuggets defeated Minnesota Timberwolves 125-113 in Game 5 on Monday, keeping the series alive.
Nikola Jokic recorded a 27-point, 12-rebound, 16-assist triple-double, tying Westbrook’s NBA record.
The Nuggets forced 25 turnovers, shot 57% overall and 38% (11-29) from three.
The win reduced the Timberwolves’ series lead to 3-2.
Game 6 will be played in Minneapolis on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Summary

Nuggets Injury

Aaron Gordon (left-calf tightness) and Peyton Watson (right hamstring strain) are out for Denver, while Minnesota is without Anthony Edwards (left-knee bruise) and Donte DiVincenzo (right Achilles tear).
The official betting line lists the Timberwolves as 10.5-point underdogs in Denver, with FanDuel offering +134 odds for a Nuggets comeback from a 3-1 deficit.
NBC and Peacock will air Game 5 at 8:30 p.m. MT, with Noah Eagle on play-by-play and Grant Hill as analyst.

History

Historical Context

During the 1994-95 season, the Houston Rockets entered the playoffs as the sixth seed and, without home-court advantage, won nine road games and swept the top-seeded Orlando Magic to become the lowest-seeded NBA champion ever. Hakeem Olajuwon’s dominant Finals performance, earning his second straight MVP, set a precedent for later low-seed comebacks such as the 2026 Denver Nuggets’ attempt.

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Jokic Triple-Double

Denver Nuggets defeated Minnesota Timberwolves 125-113 in Game 5 on Monday, keeping the series alive.
Nikola Jokic recorded a 27-point, 12-rebound, 16-assist triple-double, tying Westbrook’s NBA record.
The Nuggets forced 25 turnovers, shot 57% overall and 38% (11-29) from three.
The win reduced the Timberwolves’ series lead to 3-2.
Game 6 will be played in Minneapolis on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

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