Nikola Jokic speaks after game five between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves.
After three straight losses, Denver fell behind in the series 3-1, putting them in a must-win situation for game five.
The Timberwolves jumped out to a 6-4 lead, but that was their last lead of the game. The Nuggets went up 7-6 on a free throw by Jamal Murray and never looked back. Minnesota kept things within striking distance throughout the second quarter, but a last second three by Nikola Jokic pushed the Denver lead to nine going into halftime.
Denver extended its lead all the way up to 25 points in the closing seconds of third quarter.
Minnesota tried to mount a comeback in the final six minutes of the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late and Denver held them off.
Nikola Jokic Speaks
Nuggets center and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic had his best game of the series, scoring 27 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and getting a series high 16 assists. It was the first time since game one he recorded double digit assists.
Jokic was helped by Spencer Jones, who drew the start in place of the injured Aaron Gordon.
Jones finished with 20 points on 7-9 shooting and 4-5 from three. He also had three rebounds and one assist.
"He stayed ready. His minutes were up and down and then injuries. He's always ready. Last game, his impact was really big. Today, he scored 20 points. That's huge. He made some big threes," Jokic said about Jones after the game.
Jones did not score in game four, going 0-2 from three, his only two shots of the game. He did have four rebounds.
Spencer Jones on Defense
Just as important as his offense in game five was his defense.
"Defensively, he was aggressive in making guys rush their next move. He was really good," Jokic said about Jones' contributions on the other end of the floor.
Jones had three steals and three blocks to go along with a 102.6 defensive rating, which was the best on the team. He was primarily tasked with guarding Julius Randle, who led Minnesota in scoring with 27 points, but had five turnovers.
Gordon's status for game six is currently unknown as he was clearly laboring and limited in game four after missing games three and five. If Gordon is once again sidelined, Jones will be tasked with another start.