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Denver Wins Game 5, Leads Series 3-2

4/29/2026

48 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Denver Dominates

Minnesota lost 125-113 to Denver in Game 5, taking a 3-2 lead in 2026 playoffs.
Jaden McDaniels scored 13 points on 5-for-11 shooting, had four turnovers, five fouls, and said the boos “feed into” him.
Denver built a 27-point lead and forced 25 Minnesota turnovers, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Spencer Jones leading.
Minnesota will play Game 6 on April 30 at the Target Center without Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles).

Summary

Braun Dunk

Christian Braun dunked over Jaden McDaniels, pointed at him, and received a technical foul.
Near the end, Nikola Jokic tried to reclaim the ball from rookie Joan Beringer, who won the jump ball, prompting Jokic to smile as time expired.
The incident revived the Denver-Minnesota rivalry after Denver eliminated Minnesota in seven games in the 2024 playoffs, prompting ClutchPoints to post the dunk and technical on Twitter, spreading the drama.

History

Historical Context

In June 1998 the Chicago Bulls, tied with the Utah Jazz at 62-20, faced a rematch of the previous year’s Finals. After taking a 3-1 lead, Michael Jordan hit the decisive 20-footer with 5.2 seconds left, giving Chicago an 87-86 win in Game 6 and its sixth title in eight seasons. It also marked the final game for coach Phil Jackson before his brief retirement.

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Denver Dominates

Minnesota lost 125-113 to Denver in Game 5, taking a 3-2 lead in 2026 playoffs.
Jaden McDaniels scored 13 points on 5-for-11 shooting, had four turnovers, five fouls, and said the boos “feed into” him.
Denver built a 27-point lead and forced 25 Minnesota turnovers, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Spencer Jones leading.
Minnesota will play Game 6 on April 30 at the Target Center without Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles).

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