Nuggets Hold 18-Point Advantage Late in Third, Aim to Force Game 6
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DENVER — The Denver Nuggets were in front 85-67 with 2:36 left in the third quarter of Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, looking to stay alive in their Western Conference first-round matchup. Minnesota entered the evening up 3-1 in the best-of-seven series.
Nikola Jokić powered Denver with 18 points on 6-for-11 shooting, 10 rebounds and two assists. Jamal Murray chipped in 16 points and six assists, finishing off a fast-break layup that stretched the margin to 17 before the Timberwolves called timeout.
Denver shot 57 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the arc through the first 34 minutes, while converting 10 of 12 free throws. The Nuggets also held a slim 26-24 edge on the glass and committed 13 turnovers.
Minnesota, playing without injured guard Anthony Edwards (knee), hit 43 percent of its attempts but struggled with 18 giveaways. Forward Jaden McDaniels and guard Bones Hyland had nine points apiece, and center Rudy Gobert collected seven rebounds.
The contest at Ball Arena is being televised nationally on NBC and Peacock, with Aaron Smith, James Capers, Tyler Ford and Brent Barnaky officiating. Should the Nuggets maintain their lead, Game 6 would shift to Minneapolis. A Timberwolves rally tonight would secure the franchise’s first postseason series win since 2004.
Source: ESPN
