MVP FORM Denver Nuggets’ center Nikola Jokic is being guarded by Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl Anthony-Towns during Game 5 of their second-round playoff series. The Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves, 112-97, and are now one win away from the Western Conference finals. DENVER NUGGETS PHOTO
Nikola Jokic dropped 40 points and added 13 assists, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 112-97 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of their second-round NBA playoff series on Tuesday night.
With this win, the Nuggets have secured three consecutive victories, taking a 3-2 series lead and positioning themselves just one win away from a return trip to the Western Conference finals.
Before the game, Jokic received his third MVP trophy in a pregame ceremony and played up to the accolade.
This game marked his first 40-point performance in these playoffs and his first career playoff game with over 35 points, 10 assists and five rebounds.
Jokic dominated the third quarter, scoring 16 points as the Nuggets established a double-digit lead, effortlessly scoring against Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.
The Timberwolves were missing starting guard Mike Conley in their Game 5 loss. Additionally, Anthony Edwards had his worst game of the series, scoring just 18 points on 5-of-15 shooting.
The Wolves will attempt to keep their season alive in Game 6 at home on Thursday.
In the East, Jalen Brunson scored 44 points, marking his fifth 40-point game this postseason, as the New York Knicks dominated the Indiana Pacers 121-91 in Game 5 on Tuesday night.
This victory puts the Knicks just one win away from their first trip to the Eastern Conference finals since 2000.
Bouncing back from a blowout loss, the Knicks ensured they would play at least one more game at Madison Square Garden, much to the delight of their passionate fans eager for playoff success. Josh Hart contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Deuce McBride, newly added to the starting lineup, scored 17 points.
Pascal Siakam led the sixth-seeded Pacers with 22 points. Myles Turner added 16, but All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, who had been averaging 29.7 points over the last three games, was held to just 13 points.
The Pacers started strong, leading 25-20, but the Knicks quickly responded with an 11-0 run to take a 38-32 lead by the end of the first quarter.
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