While the Thunder advanced elsewhere, the Denver Nuggets fought off elimination on Monday night. Facing a 3-1 series deficit, Nikola Jokić took full control with a monster triple-double to lead Denver to a 125-113 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The win forces a Game 6 and keeps the Nuggets’ season alive.
Jokić finished the night with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 16 assists. By reaching this mark, he now has 221 career triple-doubles across the regular season and postseason, matching Russell Westbrook for the most in NBA history. Jokić acted as the ultimate conductor, recording 10 assists by halftime as Denver never trailed after the early minutes of the first quarter.
The turning point came in the third period. After holding a nine point lead at the half, the Nuggets used a dominant 37-24 third quarter to seize control. They capped the frame with a 15-8 burst to enter the final quarter up by 22. Despite 27 points from Minnesota’s Julius Randle, the Timberwolves could not overcome Denver’s precision.
The series now shifts back to Minneapolis for Game 6 on Thursday. With Jokić reaching the summit of the triple-double rankings, the Nuggets have regained the momentum needed to potentially force a deciding seventh game.