🃏 Jokic Drops 44, But Thunder Strike Late in Game 5

🇷🇸 Jokic Unleashes Monster Night in Game 5 Loss

Nikola Jokic was nothing short of transcendent in Game 5. The Serbian maestro erupted for 44 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting a scorching 17-of-25 from the floor and drilling five threes, including a circus fadeaway to tie the game in the final minutes.

For much of the night, it felt like Jokic was dragging the Nuggets forward by sheer willpower, especially as Denver’s supporting cast faded late. But not even Jokic’s brilliance could stave off a late Thunder surge.

Despite Jokic’s seventh career 40+ point playoff performance, the Nuggets fell 112–105 in Oklahoma City. They now trail 3–2 in the series heading into a must-win Game 6 back in Denver.

📉 Denver is now 2–5 when Jokic scores 40+ in the playoffs—a stat that says more about team depth than the Joker himself.

🎯 The Jokic-Murray 2-Man Show Needed a Third Act

Jamal Murray chipped in 28 points, but needed 27 shots to get there. Michael Porter Jr.? Cold. Westbrook? Rough night. The Denver bench was outscored 30–10.

Let this sink in:
Jokic in Q4 – 13 pts (4/6 FG)
Rest of Denver – 6 pts (1/15 FG, 0/10 3PT)

This was the game where Denver needed someone—anyone—to hit an open shot. But the help never came.

🔥 SGA’s Killer Instinct Closes It

On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an MVP-worthy closeout:
31 points | 7 assists | 6 rebounds
10 of those points came in the 4th, including a dagger 3 in the final minute.

OKC closed the game on a 34–19 run, with Jalen Williams and Lu Dort (yes, Lu Dort!) hitting huge shots to ice it. The Thunder’s depth, athleticism, and spacing gave them the edge when it mattered most.

📅 Next Game:
📍 Denver, Game 6
🕣 8:30 PM ET | Thursday

Throwback Corner 🎥 Dražen Petrović Drops 40 – A European Playoff Masterclass

🇭🇷 The Mozart of the Hardwood. The OG Walking Bucket. Dražen.

Before Luka. Before Jokic. Before Giannis.
There was Dražen Petrović.

🔥 In Round 1 of the 2002 Playoffs, Dražen went nuclear against the Cavs — 40 points, unstoppable footwork, fearless drives, and that silky jumper on full display. It wasn’t just a game; it was a clinic in European shot making and basketball IQ.

This was one of the greatest playoff performances by any European player. Ever.
And a reminder of what we lost far too soon.

🕊️ RIP Dražen Petrović

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