Jokic scores 40, Nuggets shut down Edwards in 112-97 win over Wolves for a 3-2 series lead

Nuggets Dominate Wolves, Jokic’s Triple-Double Puts Denver on Brink of WCF

The Denver Nuggets took a commanding 3-2 lead in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, powered by a dominant performance from reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.

Jokic’s Monstrous Night

Jokic celebrated his third MVP award in style, putting up a monster triple-double of 40 points, 13 assists, and 7 rebounds with zero turnovers. He was unstoppable offensively, leading the Nuggets in scoring and orchestrating the team’s offense.

Shutting Down Edwards

The Nuggets’ defense also deserves credit, particularly their strategy against Minnesota’s star guard Anthony Edwards. Edwards, who averaged over 33 points in the first four games, was held to a mere 18 points on a dismal 5-of-15 shooting performance.

Key Moments in the Game

• Jokic’s Scoring Surge: Jokic led the charge from the beginning, scoring 19 points in the first half and adding another 16 in the third quarter to extend Denver’s lead.
• Clutch Three-Pointer: With the Wolves threatening a comeback in the fourth, Jokic silenced them with a clutch three-pointer over Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, putting the game out of reach.
• Assisting Spree: In the crucial third quarter, Jokic dished out four assists in a row, sparking an 11-2 run that cemented Denver’s control.

Wolves’ Struggles

The Timberwolves faced an uphill battle from the start. The absence of veteran point guard Mike Conley due to an injury hampered their offensive flow. Additionally, Edwards’ struggles and the inability to find consistent scoring outside of Karl-Anthony Towns (23 points) hurt their chances.

Looking Ahead

With their backs against the wall, the Wolves must win Game 6 at home on Thursday to force a Game 7 back in Denver. Coach Chris Finch acknowledged the need for additional contributors and may look to further adjust his rotation.

Nuggets Aim to Close Out Series

The Nuggets, on the other hand, are just one win away from the Western Conference Finals. Jokic’s brilliance and a strong defensive effort have them in a commanding position. They’ll look to close out the series in Minnesota and return to the Conference Finals for the second consecutive year.