Nikola Jokic delivered a triple-double and the Denver Nuggets avoided elimination with a 125-113 Game 5 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday at Ball Arena. Denver now trails 3-2 in the first-round series.
The Nuggets improved their playoff control by forcing 16 turnovers and getting 27 points, 16 assists, and 12 rebounds from Jokic. The Timberwolves, missing key guards, still trimmed a 27-point deficit late before Denver closed it out.
Nuggets head coach David Adelman expanded on the team’s execution, emphasizing physical response across the floor. “It was better than the first four games… the shot making obviously helped,” he said when asked about offensive physicality.
He also pointed to key individual contributions, noting, “I just thought he was ready to play like he always is. The shot making obviously helped,” in reference to Spencer Jones’ impact.
On overall defensive behavior, Adelman focused on possession control and transition play. “The turnovers were a huge plus… our half court defense has been fine. Our transition defense has to get better,” he said, adding that it was “pretty good tonight till the fourth quarter.”
The Nuggets finished with 35 assists, and Adelman tied that to improved structure. “I thought the screening was a lot better… Tyus was good. Gave us a different element. And Jonas was really good screening,” he said, highlighting role stability from the bench unit.
Explaining lineup adjustments, he said of Tyus Jones, “We got Tyus for his ball handling… he allowed Jamal to get off the ball a little bit more.” He also noted Jonas Valanciunas “opens things up for other people.”
Adelman downplayed external narratives from Game 4, saying, “I have no idea… stuff like that happens in playoff games.” He added on Spencer Jones’ development, “Some guys want opportunities, other guys take them and run with them. He’s done that the whole season.”
He also addressed roster uncertainty ahead of Game 6, stating, “I have no idea,” when asked about potential returns for injured players, while stressing preparation regardless of availability.
Reflecting on the overall performance, Adelman summarized, “I thought it was a good three and a half quarters. I thought the end of the fourth was sloppy.” He added that the group continues to identify areas for improvement while advancing the series.
Denver now shifts to Game 6 in Minneapolis, needing another win to extend the series and continue its comeback push.
