Key Takeaways:
- Nikola Jokic registered a triple-double with 27 points, 16 assists, and 12 rebounds last night as Denver beat Minnesota 125-113
- The Nuggets avoided elimination and reduced their series deficit to 3-2 in the best-of-seven matchup
- Game 6 will take place in Minneapolis on Thursday night
Resurgence Fuels Denver’s Fightback
The Denver Nuggets rediscovered their offensive sharpness and defensive energy just in time to extend their postseason journey, overcoming the Minnesota Timberwolves 125-113 in Game 5 of their playoff series on Monday night. Nikola Jokic, enduring a recent dip in form, responded with a stellar triple-double performance, tallying 27 points, 16 assists, and 12 rebounds for his 23rd career playoff triple-double – the third-most in NBA history.
Spencer Jones, stepping into the starting lineup due to Aaron Gordon’s injury, sparked the Nuggets with 20 points and a crucial third-quarter run that gave Denver breathing room. Jamal Murray also played a significant part in the victory, adding 24 points. Returning to their high-scoring roots after consecutive sub-100 games in Minneapolis, the Nuggets delivered an offensive showcase reminiscent of their regular season excellence, where they secured the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
We still in this#MileHighPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/cIzy4iK2Xd
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 28, 2026
Contest Highlights and Key Player Performances
Jones, contributing just 11 points across the previous four games, erupted for 11 points in a pivotal six-minute fourth-quarter span, including three 3-pointers and a breakaway dunk. The Nuggets led by as much as 27 points in the second half, and Jokic sent the home crowd into halftime on a high with a buzzer-beating 29-foot 3-pointer to make it 60-51.
Minnesota, missing both starting guards Anthony Edwards (hyperextended knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (ruptured Achilles) after injuries in Game 4, could not overcome their depleted lineup. DiVincenzo underwent surgery Sunday, and Edwards remains sidelined indefinitely, although imaging revealed no structural knee damage, leaving open the possibility of his return if Minnesota advances further.
Julius Randle top-scored for the Timberwolves with 27 points, while Ayo Dosunmu supplied 18. However, Denver finally managed to neutralise Rudy Gobert, who scored only one basket with 20 seconds left in the third quarter as Minnesota trailed by 25. Naz Reid also left the court briefly in the third after rolling his right ankle.
| Denver Nuggets | Minnesota Timberwolves |
|---|---|
| Nikola Jokic: 27 pts, 16 ast, 12 reb | Julius Randle: 27 pts |
| Spencer Jones: 20 pts | Ayo Dosunmu: 18 pts |
| Jamal Murray: 24 pts | Rudy Gobert: 2 pts |
Turnovers, Momentum Shifts, and the Road Ahead
The Timberwolves struggled with control, committing nine turnovers in the first quarter and 25 in total. Jaden McDaniels, at the centre of tension following a heated confrontation after Game 4, encountered early foul trouble and finished with 13 points, drawing boos with every touch from the Ball Arena crowd.
Denver’s hopes of an historic comeback remain alive. With the series now at 3-2, the Nuggets must win the next two fixtures to become only the 14th team out of 299 to overturn a 3-1 NBA playoff deficit. Notably, Denver last accomplished this feat twice in 2020, overcoming both the Jazz and Lakers in the bubble playoffs.
Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday night in Minneapolis, where the Timberwolves, bolstered by home support, will look to close out the series. As Nuggets coach David Adelman stated: “It’s just a good win and then you move on… Tomorrow we’ll sit down and talk with the guys, get them right, give us a chance to go through things on Wednesday and try to win on Thursday.”
