In a must win game for the Denver Nuggets, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic delivered when they needed him most. Jokic lead the Nuggets in their 125-113 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves with 27 points, 14 assists, and 16 rebounds.
27 points 12 rebounds 16 assists 60% FG
The Nuggets are now the FAVORITES to win the series 👀
3-1 comeback loading?
Aside from tonight, Jokic’s first-round performance hasn’t been up to par with his typical in-game dominance, leaving the Nuggets to fall to the Wolves 3-1 after taking Game 1 in Denver. The Nuggets need to outlast the Timberwolves in one more game in Minnesota, before heading back to their home court in Denver.
With Anthony Edward’s injury potentially leaving him out for the remainder of the series, it gives the Nuggets more than just a fighting chance.
With the Joker’s breakout performance keeping the Nuggets alive for at least one more game, it also added to stat-sheet history. Jokic’s impressive stat sheet marked his 221st career triple-double, tying former teammate Russell Westbrook on the all-time leaderboard.
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Nikola Jokic Sits Atop NBA Triple-Double Leaderboard With Ex-Teammate Russell Westbrook
Nikola Jokic achieved his record-breaking triple-double shortly into the second half of Game 5. The center’s impressive feat tied his former teammate, Russell Westbrook, for the most career triple-doubles in NBA history.
In the regular season however, Westbrook edges out Jokic 209 to 198. Jokic however sits behind Los Angeles Lakers Lebron James for playoff triple-doubles. James has 26, while Jokic is creeping up closely at 23.
Jokic also finds himself 11 times amongst the top 12 most assists by a center in a playoff game. The only center that stands in front of him is Wilt Chamberlin with 17 assists in a playoff game.
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Nikola Jokic’s Game 5 Performance Keeps Nuggets’ Playoff Chances Alive
The Denver Nuggets seemed out of sync in games two, three, and four. It wasn’t until tonight that it seemed like the team got back on track. Specifically from Nikola Jokic.
Although Jokic averaged 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in his previous three games, he was shooting 34.4% and had 11 turnovers. It was far from his normal dominance, it showed even more on the defensive side of his game.
Denver Nuggets beat writer Luca Evans wrote to X about the Joker’s defense stating, “Nikola Jokic highly effective as a defender tonight. Playing very well in drop coverage in P&R and warding off drives from several Minny ball handlers, active hands, a couple blocks.”
Jokic tacked on two blocks, matching his series total from the last four games.
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NBA World Reacts to Nikola Jokic’s Triple-Double
Denver fans were beginning to get worried about the Joker during the 2026 NBA Playoffs. However, the Timberwolves who are missing superstar Anthony Edwards, let up against Jokic and Spencer Jones.
Denver Nuggets beat writer Bennett Durando wrote to X after Game 5 concluded, “Nuggets win Game 5 over the short-handed Timberwolves, 125-113. Triple-double for Nikola Jokic, unlikely heroics from Spencer Jones, and an overall balanced effort at both ends. Minnesota leads the series 3-2.”
Along with Jokic’s impressive performance, he was back to his on-the-court shenanigans.
Jokic offered up a free steal, then snatched it back 😂
The Nuggets face the Timberwolves in Game 6 on Thursday, April 30 at a time to be determined at Ball Arena.
Nikola Jokic Makes History In Nuggets Win Over Timberwolves In Game 5