Denver Nuggets 125-113 Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA 2026 Playoffs: Nikola Jokic Steers Side To Victory

The Denver Nuggets rediscovered both their offensive identity and their defensive intensity just in time to save their season. Nikola Jokic snapped out of his prolonged funk with a triple-double, Spencer Jones provided a spark while subbing for injured Aaron Gordon, and the Nuggets staved off elimination with a chippy 125-113 win over the injury-riddled Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of their playoff series Monday night. Jokic had 27 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds for Denver, which trimmed its deficit to 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Jamal Murray scored 24 points as the Nuggets, who led the NBA in scoring, enjoyed a breakout after being held under 100 points twice in Minneapolis.

Updated on: 29 April 2026 9:25 am

Published at: 29 April 2026 9:25 am

NBA: Denver Nuggets Vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu, center, loses control of the ball while driving to the net between Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas, left, and guard Bruce Brown in the second half in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Denver. | Photo: AP/David Zalubowski

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NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle, left, looks to drive past Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones, right, in the first half in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Denver. | Photo: AP/David Zalubowski

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NBA Basketball Game: Denver Nuggets Vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle, center, fights for control of the ball while driving between Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun, left, and center Nikola Jokic in the second half in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Denver. | Photo: AP/David Zalubowski

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NBA Basketball Game: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle, third from left, pulls in a loose ball as, from left, Denver Nuggets guard Tim Hardaway Jr., center Nikola Jokic and forward Spencer Jones defend in the second half in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Denver. | Photo: AP/David Zalubowski

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NBA Basketball: Denver Nuggets Vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, fights for control of the ball with Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert in the second half in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Denver. | Photo: AP/David Zalubowski

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NBA Basketball: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, right, passes the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu defends in the second half in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Denver. | Photo: AP/David Zalubowski

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NBA Playoffs 2026: Denver Nuggets Vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels, left, exchanges words with Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas, center right, as Minnesota guards Ayo Dosunmu, front left, and Jaylen Clark surround Valanciunas in the second half in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Denver. | Photo: AP/David Zalubowski

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NBA Playoffs 2026: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones, left, passes the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark defends in the second half in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Denver. | Photo: AP/David Zalubowski

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Basketball: Denver Nuggets Vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Denver Nuggets fan holds up a placard in the second half in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Denver. | Photo: AP/David Zalubowski

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Basketball: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle, right, and Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray pursue a loose ball in the second half in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series Monday, April 27, 2026, in Denver. () | Photo: AP/David Zalubowski