- Denver Nuggets regained 3:2 lead after 131:115 home win over Clippers
- Jamal Murray exploded for 43 points and 8 three-pointers
- Nikola Jokic registered triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists
Key Takeaways:
Denver Nuggets regained their lead in the NBA playoff series. David Adelman’s side crushed the Los Angeles Clippers 131:115 in Game 5 of the Western Conference quarterfinals, held at Ball Arena. The Colorado team controlled the game from start to finish, shattering Tyronn Lue’s squad’s comeback dreams to earn a second straight victory.
This allowed the Nuggets to take back control of the series and move ahead 3:2 in wins. They now need just one more victory to progress beyond the opening round of the postseason. The rivalry between the two sides will return to Los Angeles for Game 6.
Last night, the home team demonstrated their offensive strength early through Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, who led them to a comfortable lead. The visitors attempted to fight back mainly through Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac, but Denver were unstoppable in attack and finished the first quarter up by 12.
Jamal Murray masterclass 📓 pic.twitter.com/LBnY8Ignd4
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 30, 2025
Russell Westbrook and Murray took centre stage at the start of the second period, and the hosts never let up. Despite consistent efforts from Zubac and solid shooting by Chris Dunn, the Clippers could not complete a turnaround and went into halftime trailing 67:59.
The start of the second half turned into a Jamal Murray show, as he singlehandedly kept the Nuggets on track. Norman Powell, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Leonard offered the final hope of a push from the Californians, but those dreams were crushed as Denver built a 16-point cushion after 36 minutes.
Tension returned in the fourth quarter, as Zubac and Leonard brought the Clippers within 9 points. Still, Gordon and Murray stepped up again to stop the collapse and carried the Nuggets across the finish line without looking back.
Jamal Murray stole the spotlight with 43 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 8 made threes. Aaron Gordon added 23 points, Russell Westbrook followed with 21, and Michael Porter Jr. finished with 14. Nikola Jokic logged yet another triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Christian Braun contributed 11 points and 12 boards.
Ivica Zubac stood out for the Clippers with 27 points and 5 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard tallied 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic ended with 18 points, 5 assists, and 4 threes. Chris Dunn scored 15, Norman Powell added 12, and James Harden finished with 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.