Nikola Jokić returned to form Monday night, recording 27 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds on 9-of-15 shooting as Denver beat Minnesota in Game 5. After hitting just 31.3% of his shots in the two previous losses at Target Center, the MVP candidate received timely help from his teammates.
Jamal Murray poured in 24 points, Cameron Johnson added 18 on 8-of-13 from the field, and second-year forward Spencer Jones delivered 20 points, three blocks and three steals while going 7-for-9 in only his second playoff start.
Jones’ rapid rise
Jones opened the season on a two-way contract but impressed Denver’s staff as early as the preseason, eventually drawing 37 regular-season starts and averaging 22.1 minutes. With Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson sidelined, he has become a fixture in David Adelman’s postseason rotation.
Adelman praised the 23-year-old’s work on the defensive end after Jones matched up with Knicks All-Star Julius Randle. “He just competes,” Adelman said, noting that Jones repeatedly absorbed contact without fouling and forced Randle into difficult looks. The forward will enter restricted free agency this summer.
McDaniels embraces the boos
Timberwolves wing Jaden McDaniels, who publicly challenged Denver’s defense after Minnesota’s Game 2 victory, said he relishes the hostile crowd at Ball Arena. “I love this environment, everyone hating me,” McDaniels told reporters. “We just lost today, but we’re going to win the next one.”
Blazers bring two-way players on the road
Portland’s two-way trio traveled to San Antonio for Tuesday’s Game 5, according to multiple reports. Players on two-way deals are ineligible for the postseason, but the Trail Blazers were the lone team that did not include its two-way players on the first road swing of the series as new owner Tom Dundon trimmed costs.
Jazz plot defensive overhaul
After ranking 29th or 30th in defensive rating in each of the past three years, Utah plans to lean on newly acquired former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. next season. President of basketball operations Austin Ainge said improving defense is “non-negotiable,” while head coach Will Hardy singled out Ace Bailey and Keyonte George as players who must elevate their play on that end.
Source: Hoops Rumors
