The Denver Nuggets are one win away from another Western Conference final after they beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 112:97 at home in Game 5 of the series between the two teams. After falling behind 0-2, losing both of their home games, the champs have fought back in style and are close to the West title showdown.
Nikola Jokic, who was recently chosen for the third time in his career as the Most Valuable Player, was above all for The Nuggets. The Serbian center, who received the statuette before the game, erupted with a double-double of 40 points and 13 assists, while also adding 7 rebounds. Aaron Gordon played another solid game and also finished with a double-double – 18 points and 10 rebounds. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jamal Murray scored 16 points each, and Christian Brown scored 10 off the bench.
Karl-Anthony Towns was the best scorer for the Wolves with 23 points. Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards each scored 18, with Gobert also grabbing 11 rebounds. However, Edwards was not as efficient as in previous matchups, finishing just 5/15 from the field. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 14.
Game 6 is at the Timberwolves arena on Thursday night.
In the East, the New York Knicks are also one win away from the conference finals after beating the Indiana Pacers 121:91 at home.
After exchanging two wins each in front of their home crowd, the home team was jubilant again, and in convincing fashion. Jalen Brunson returned to his usual standards and finished with 44 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists. He was seriously helped by his teammates - Josh Hart (11 rebounds) and Alec Burks scored 18 points each, and Myles McBride scored 17. Isaiah Hartenstein finished with 7 points but grabbed 17 rebounds, 12 of which were offensive.
For Indiana, Pascal Siakam scored 22 points and Myles Turner added 16. Tyrese Haliburton wasn't aggressive enough and finished with 13 points, and Andrew Nembhard had 11.
The Pacers will look to take the series into a decisive Game 7 on Thursday. /BGNES
