NBA Playoffs: Nuggets Take 3-2 Series Lead with Win Over Timberwolves
Jokic's 40-Point Outing Leads Denver to Victory
Western Conference Semifinals, Game 5
Denver, Colo. - Nikola Jokic scored 40 points and grabbed 21 rebounds as the Denver Nuggets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-97 on Tuesday night to take a 3-2 lead in their Western Conference semifinal series.
Jokic was unstoppable in the paint, shooting 16-of-25 from the field. He also dished out eight assists and had two steals.
The Timberwolves were led by Anthony Edwards, who had 21 points. But Edwards was held to just 8-of-22 shooting from the field and was a non-factor in the second half.
The Nuggets took control of the game in the third quarter, outscoring the Timberwolves 34-17. Jokic scored 12 points in the quarter and Denver's defense held Minnesota to just 28% shooting.
The Timberwolves never got closer than nine points in the fourth quarter as the Nuggets cruised to victory.
Game 6 of the series is scheduled for Thursday night in Minneapolis. The Nuggets can clinch a berth in the Western Conference Finals with a win.