Jokic shows MVP credentials with 40 points, leads Nuggets over Wolves

Nikola Jokic celebrated his third MVP trophy ceremony in style by leading the Denver Nuggets to a 112-97 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinal series. Jokic was on fire, scoring 40 points and dishing out 13 assists, ensuring Denver took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Aaron Gordon contributed significantly with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Jamal Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope each added 16 points for the Nuggets, who rebounded after losing the first two games at home. The team now has a chance to clinch the series in Game 6, which will take place on Thursday night in Minneapolis.

ONE, TWO, THREE IN A ROW pic.twitter.com/e5kPciwBzs

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) May 15, 2024

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Minnesota’s All-Star guard Anthony Edwards had a tough night, shooting just 5-for-15 from the field and finishing with 18 points and nine assists. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 23 points, and Rudy Gobert added a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

The Timberwolves were without point guard Mike Conley, who sat out due to right Achilles soreness, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who stepped into the starting lineup, scored 14 points.