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Nuggets Take Game 5, Jokic Posts Triple-Double

4/28/2026

Summary

Jokic Triple-Double

Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 125-113 in Game 5, cutting the series deficit to 3-2.
Nikola Jokic posted a 27-point, 16-assist, 12-rebound triple-double.
Coach David Adelman said Jokic’s 16 assists proved the “Jok is Jok” belief.
Minnesota played without Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (torn Achilles) after Game 4 injuries.
Spencer Jones (20) and Cameron Johnson (18) helped Denver force 25 turnovers for 35 points.

Summary

Jokic Posts Triple-Double

Center Nikola Jokic posted 27 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds, his 221st triple-double tying Russell Westbrook and his 23rd playoff triple-double, placing him third all-time behind LeBron James and Westbrook.
His 16 assists rank him 11th among centers for playoff assists, behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 17.
Denver’s win extended the streak to eight postseasons and sets up a winner to meet the Spurs, who lead 3-1, or the Trail Blazers.

Summary

Jokic Fined

The NBA fined Nikola Jokic $50,000 and Julius Randle $35,000 after their Game 4 scuffle, ejected both players, and announced no suspensions.
Minnesota rookie Joan Beringer won the Game 5 jump-ball after Jokic’s late-game hand-off.
Denver fans booed Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels, chanting “McDaniels sucks” at Ball Arena.
The episode revived debate over the unwritten rule against scoring in decided games, prompting the Nuggets to need MVP-level effort in Game 6.

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Jokic Triple-Double

Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 125-113 in Game 5, cutting the series deficit to 3-2.
Nikola Jokic posted a 27-point, 16-assist, 12-rebound triple-double.
Coach David Adelman said Jokic’s 16 assists proved the “Jok is Jok” belief.
Minnesota played without Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (torn Achilles) after Game 4 injuries.
Spencer Jones (20) and Cameron Johnson (18) helped Denver force 25 turnovers for 35 points.

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