The Denver Nuggets continued to flex their championship pedigree on Wednesday night with a hard-fought win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, taking control of their Western Conference Semifinals series. After dropping the first two games at home, Denver responded with three straight wins — this time pulling off a gritty 112-97 victory in Game 5 at Ball Arena.
Led by Nikola Jokić, who showcased why he’s the newly crowned 2024 NBA MVP, the Nuggets turned the tide behind a flawless second-half effort. With the series now swinging in Denver’s favor, just one win stands between the defending champs and a return to the Western Conference Finals.
Game / News Breakdown
This Game 5 showdown featured a tale of two halves. Minnesota opened strong, attacking the rim and putting pressure on the Nuggets’ defense early. Anthony Edwards continued to lead the Timberwolves’ charge, contributing 18 points in the first half alone and keeping the score close.
But after halftime, Denver made the necessary adjustments. Mike Malone’s squad locked in defensively while finding their rhythm offensively. A 15-2 run in the third quarter opened the floodgates, and from there, the Nuggets controlled the tempo.
Key turning points:
– Denver outscored Minnesota 62-44 in the second half.
– The Timberwolves struggled from deep, shooting just 9-of-30 (30%) from three-point range.
– Nuggets committed only 7 turnovers, maintaining composure under playoff pressure.
– Denver’s bench outscored Minnesota’s 28-17, highlighting their depth.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient — exactly the kind of playoff basketball that wins series.
Key Players & Performances
Nikola Jokić once again proved why he’s one of the most unguardable players in the league. The MVP was unstoppable in the second half, finishing with 40 points on 15-of-22 shooting, 13 assists, and 8 rebounds.
Other standout performances:
– Jamal Murray added 16 points and kept the offense flowing, even after early foul trouble.
– Aaron Gordon chipped in 12 points and brought his usual defensive versatility.
– Michael Porter Jr. quietly had one of his best playoff games this series with 18 points and solid perimeter defense.
For Minnesota:
– Anthony Edwards led the way with 29 points, but he had to work hard for every bucket against Denver’s swarming defense.
– Karl-Anthony Towns struggled again, shooting just 5-of-16 from the field and finishing with 14 points.
– Mike Conley was ruled out with an Achilles issue, and his absence clearly impacted the Wolves’ offensive rhythm and veteran leadership.
Without consistent perimeter shooting or stability in the backcourt, Minnesota simply couldn’t keep pace late in the game.
Team Impact & Standings
The Nuggets now lead the series 3-2 and are just one win away from returning to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season.
This comeback in the series — after losing the first two at home — also silenced early concerns about their depth, urgency, and focus. The defending champs look revitalized, and with their core healthy and shooting well, they seem ready for another title push.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is fighting to salvage what was a dominant start to the series. Games 1 and 2 felt like a passing of the torch, but Denver’s experience and composure have clawed that momentum back.
Western Conference Semis (As of May 15):
– Denver leads series 3-2
– Game 6 set for Friday in Minnesota
– Potential Game 7 back in Denver, if needed
This is now Minnesota’s biggest test of the postseason — facing elimination against a team that’s been here before.
What’s Next
Game 6 is scheduled for Friday evening at Target Center in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves are hoping to feed off their home crowd and extend the series to a decisive Game 7.
Key storylines to watch:
– Will Mike Conley return to the lineup? His presence is crucial in limiting Jokić’s playmaking.
– Can Towns find his offensive rhythm with the season on the line?
– How much more does Jokić have in the tank after carrying the load in Game 5?
Denver, on the other hand, will aim to close it out on the road — something they’re very capable of doing. With Jokić in MVP form and the team regaining confidence, the Nuggets are one win away from another deep playoff journey.
Conclusion
The Nuggets responded like true champions in Game 5, flipping the series on its head with poise and power. With Nikola Jokić leading the charge, Denver now holds the upper hand heading into Game 6.
Minnesota, after a scorching start to the series, now finds its back against the wall. Can Anthony Edwards and Co. respond? Or will the Nuggets punch their ticket to the next round?
Friday’s Game 6 promises high drama — and potentially the end of the Timberwolves’ breakout playoff run.