In a pivotal Game 5, the Denver Nuggets’ star center, Nikola Jokic, delivered a legendary performance. With the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves hanging in the balance, Jokic rose to the occasion, showcasing why he is regarded as one of the most dominant players in the league.
The Nuggets entered the game with the series tied at 2-2, having lost the first two games at home. The pressure was immense, but Jokic responded with a display of skill and determination. Scoring 40 points on an efficient 15-of-22 shooting, he orchestrated the Nuggets’ offense with 13 assists, while also grabbing 7 rebounds, blocking a shot, and recording 2 steals.
Jokic’s scoring spree was a blend of finesse and power, as he outplayed the Timberwolves’ defense, which had been constructed with the primary goal of containing him. His performance was particularly remarkable against Rudy Gobert, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year, whom Jokić attacked relentlessly in the post and on the perimeter.
The Serbian center’s dominance was not just in scoring but also in his playmaking. His vision and passing ability were on full display as he found teammates in positions where they could succeed. Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were among the beneficiaries, contributing significantly to the Nuggets’ victory.
The game was competitive in the first half, with the Timberwolves keeping it close. However, Jokic’s 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting in the first half set the tone for what was to come. The third quarter saw Jokic take over the game, scoring 16 points in the final 6 minutes of the period, giving the Nuggets a comfortable 14-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The Timberwolves attempted to mount a comeback, but Jokić, after a brief rest, returned to the floor to score five more points, including a pull-up three-pointer that effectively sealed the game for Denver.
With this win, the Nuggets took a 3-2 series lead, and Jokić’s masterful performance put them one step closer to advancing to the Western Conference finals. It was a night where the reigning MVP showed why he is one of the best in the game, and his 40-point masterpiece will be remembered as one of the greatest playoff performances in recent memory. This is also why NBA Twitter reacted accordingly and in awe. Here are some of the best reactions.
I’m pretty sure Jokic could play the entire game while eating one of those big turkey legs from Disneyland and not lose anything in his game.
— ian karmel (@IanKarmel) May 15, 2024
Nuggets: “We need somebody to cook Gobert”
Jokic: pic.twitter.com/4xX7nWIOXO
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) May 15, 2024
It’s inconceivable that guys that played in the NBA think anyone is better than Jokic.
— Russillo (@ryenarussillo) May 15, 2024
How Jokic doing Gobert pic.twitter.com/aaVzKLRoho
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) May 15, 2024
can’t hit a shot to save our lives
Jokic the best player in the world pic.twitter.com/xL0k8hQBSb
— Shahbaz Khan (@ShahbazMKhan) May 15, 2024
Realizing Nikola Jokic ain’t even 30 yet
pic.twitter.com/r84r7HbkMc— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 15, 2024
Every time Jokić looks at Gobert tonight pic.twitter.com/cP3Z6mKZy8
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) May 15, 2024
The entire NBA season may boil down to the simple fact that nobody can do anything about Jokic.
— Scott Tobias (@scott_tobias) May 15, 2024
jokic has eyes in the back of his head i will never be convinced otherwise
— claire de lune (@ClaireMPLS) May 15, 2024
i could watch jokić be nonchalantly incomparable forever
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) May 15, 2024
what jokic is doing to rudy shouldn’t be allowed on television
— Robby Kalland (@RKalland) May 15, 2024
i absolutely LOVE watching the joker play basketball — just a completely unique game — he plays basketball like if a buffalo was really good at ice skating
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) May 15, 2024
Brother, I have 40 pic.twitter.com/4eNGZE81xY
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 15, 2024
Feels like you could watch basketball for all of 10 minutes in your life, conclude that Jokic is currently playing his position at the highest level of anyone for the last 100 years and the next 100, and be right. There is just no way it gets better
— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) May 15, 2024
Joker when he sees Gobert guarding him pic.twitter.com/HvjTFx8JHz
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 15, 2024
