Nuggets Stave Off Elimination in Game 5, Extend Series to 3-2

The Western Conference first-round series entered Game 5 with Denver (3-seed) trailing Minnesota (6-seed) 3-2. Minnesota had lost guard Anthony Edwards (knee) and forward Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) in Game 4, leaving the Wolves without their backcourt. Denver was also shorthanded, missing wing Peyton Watson (hamstring) and listing forward Aaron Gordon (calf) as questionable. Minnesota took a 3-1 lead by beating Denver in Game 4.

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At Ball Arena, Denver defeated Minnesota 125-113. Nikola Jokic recorded a 27-point, 12-rebound, 16-assist triple-double. Jamal Murray added 24 points, Spencer Jones 20 and Cam Johnson 18. Denver built a 60-51 halftime lead and held Minnesota to 25 turnovers.

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Minnesota’s leading scorer was Julius Randle with 27 points, while both teams entered Game 5 shooting below 40 % from the field. Final: Denver 125, Minnesota 113. Jokic 27-12-16; Murray 24; Jones 20; Johnson 18. Denver shot 38 % from three (11-of-29) and forced 25 turnovers. Minnesota also committed 25 turnovers and scored 62 points in the paint.

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Jokic stressed physicality and focus in elimination games. Coach David Adelman praised Jokic’s impact, saying the team wins when he’s on and that they will review film on Wednesday to fine-tune for Thursday. Randle called Denver a championship team with championship DNA. Braun labeled early series embarrassing. McDaniels admitted the Game 4 loss but voiced confidence for Game 6. Johnson said the night was the only thing that mattered.

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Opponents highlighted Minnesota’s 25 turnovers and early shooting woes, with Braun labeling the first four games as embarrassing.

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Naz Reid’s ankle injury severity is unclear; he walked off, returned briefly, and his status remains uncertain. Aaron Gordon is listed as questionable for Game 6, while Peyton Watson is out. Edwards’ MRI shows no structural damage, but his return timeline is unspecified.

Timberwolves’ Naz Reid painfully turns ankle as injuries stack up vs. Nuggets

The win keeps Denver alive, preserving a chance to become one of few teams to overturn a 3-1 deficit. Jokic’s triple-double reinforces his playoff value, and the game underscores how injuries can shift a series. The victor will face either San Antonio or Portland in the Western semifinals, preserving Denver’s postseason legacy after its recent championship.

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Game 6 takes place Thursday in Minneapolis; the winner advances to the Western Conference semifinals.

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• “I have been here before. When you're playing an elimination game, you need to be extremely focused.” — Nikola Jokic, Nuggets center

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• “Just an embarrassing first four games of the series,” — Christian Braun, Nuggets guard

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• “Jok is Jok,” — David Adelman, Nuggets head coach

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• “They’re a championship team. They have championship DNA,” — Julius Randle, Timberwolves forward

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• “Tonight was the only thing that mattered,” — Cameron Johnson, Nuggets forward

Recap: Thunder advance, Magic, Nuggets win

• “but we’re going to win the next one.” — Jaden McDaniels, Timberwolves forward

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