Jokic's 27-Point Triple-Double Saves Denver's Season, Forces Game 6 Thursday

The Denver Nuggets were dead. Down 3-1 in their first-round series against Minnesota, facing elimination at home. Then Nikola Jokic reminded everyone why he's the best player on the floor.

Jokic dropped 27 points, 16 assists, and 12 rebounds to keep Denver alive with a 125-113 win over the sixth-seeded Timberwolves on Monday night at Ball Arena. This wasn't just a triple-double. This was a lifeline. The third-seeded Nuggets had lost three straight after winning Game 1 at home, and they were staring down the barrel of a first-round exit. Not anymore.

The Supporting Cast Finally Showed Up

Jokic did his thing, but Denver needed answers around him. Jamal Murray delivered 24 points. Spencer Jones, filling in for injured Aaron Gordon (calf), posted a playoff career-high 20 points off the bench. Cameron Johnson added 18. When your role players step up like that in a must-win game, you've got a shot.

Denver built a 10-point lead early but Minnesota cut it to one point, 34-33, early in the second quarter. The Nuggets answered with a 7-2 run to take a 60-51 halftime lead. Then in the third, Denver just took over. Jones hit three straight three-pointers plus a running dunk that made it 78-59 midway through the frame. Murray and Tim Hardaway Jr. converted three-point plays, Johnson hit from deep, and Christian Braun dunked to stretch it to 95-72. That's not basketball, that's execution.

Minnesota's Injury Problems Got Worse

The Timberwolves were already dealing with Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) out, forcing Ayo Dosunmu and Mike Conley into starting roles. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 27 points and nine rebounds, but they committed 25 turnovers. That's killer basketball in the playoffs. Dosunmu had 18 points after going off for 43 in Game 4. Bones Hyland and Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 15 each. Jaden McDaniels added 13, and he was getting booed every time he touched the ball.

Denver got sloppy late, letting Minnesota cut a 22-point lead down to 10, but Jokic sealed it with free throws and a layup for a three-point play to make it 18 points with 3:33 left.

Game 6 is Thursday night in Minneapolis. The Nuggets are still alive. The Wolves are still in control. One game. Everything changes.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.