Jokic scores 40, Nuggets shut down Edwards in 112-97 win over Wolves for a 3-2 series lead

May 15, 2024

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic marked his third NBA MVP award by delivering a stellar performance, scoring 40 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a commanding 112-97 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. With this win, the reigning NBA champions moved within one victory of securing a spot in the Western Conference finals.

Jokic, showcasing his versatility, also contributed 13 assists and seven rebounds without committing a single turnover as the Nuggets secured their first win of this semifinal series on home turf. Aaron Gordon added 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Jamal Murray chipped in with 16 points.

Despite the efforts of Anthony Edwards, who was limited to 18 points on 5-of-15 shooting, the Timberwolves fell short. Karl Anthony-Towns led the Wolves with 23 points, and Rudy Gobert contributed 18.

Having faced their first three-game losing streak of the season, the Wolves now must halt their slide on Thursday night at Target Center to force a decisive Game 7 back in Denver.

Jokic, honored with his third MVP trophy in a pregame ceremony by commissioner Adam Silver, led Denver's charge with 19 first-half points, propelling them to a 50-44 halftime lead. He continued his dominance in the third quarter, adding 16 more points as the Nuggets extended their lead to 14.

A crucial dunk by Jokic with 7:12 remaining in the fourth quarter widened Denver's lead to 98-80. Despite a brief resurgence from the Wolves, closing the gap to 103-92, Jokic extinguished their hopes with a timely 3-pointer over Rudy Gobert, extending the lead to 14 points with just over 3 minutes left.

After briefly falling behind 55-53 early in the third quarter, Denver responded with an 11-2 run, fueled by four consecutive baskets assisted by Jokic, securing a 64-57 lead that they maintained for the remainder of the game.

Although Anthony Edwards had been averaging 33.3 points in the first four games of the series, the Timberwolves needed other players to step up. While Karl Anthony-Towns answered the call, Edwards struggled, missing eight of his first nine shots and only finding his rhythm when the game was out of reach for the Timberwolves.

Timberwolves' veteran point guard Mike Conley was sidelined just before tipoff due to a sore right Achilles, sustained during Sunday's loss. Nickeil Alexander-Walker filled in admirably, contributing 14 points and five assists in Conley's absence.

Minnesota coach Chris Finch, addressing the media before the game, expressed disappointment with the NBA's decision to fine Rudy Gobert $75,000 for a money gesture following a call by referee Scott Foster in Game 4.

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Jokic scores 40, Nuggets shut down Edwards in 112-97 win over Wolves for a 3-2 series lead

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