Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

NBA Playoffs 2025 OKC Thunder vs Denver Nuggets- Denver Nuggets Suffer 112-105 Loss in Game 5 Despite Nikola Jokic’s 44 Points

The Thunder are leading the conference semifinals series against the Nuggets 3-2.

Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder stole a crucial win from the Denver Nuggets in the final moments, securing a 112-105 win in Game 5 of their series. Both teams headed into the game having recorded two wins each in the Western Conference Semifinals. However, following tonight’s game, the Thunder secured the upper hand, and are now leading the best-of-seven series 3-2.

Nikola Jokic, who was visibly struggling with his form in the last three games, put up a dominating performance of 44 points. He grabbed 14 rebounds, and dished out six assists. However, even after such gameplay, the Thunder managed to turn around the outcome of the game in the final few minutes. On the other hand, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 31 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. Jalen Williams dropped 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

J-DUB AND SHAI CLUTCH 3s.

3-2 SERIES LEAD FOR OKC 🚨 pic.twitter.com/OqLLiX62ar
— NBA (@NBA) May 14, 2025

OKC Thunder Turn Tables Over Nuggets In Final Few Minutes

The Thunder started the game with a 10-2 run, owing to Shai Gilgeous-Alexaner’s four points and two assists. On the other hand, the Nuggets found themselves struggling, having missed five shots. However, soon after it, the visitors went on an 11-2 run and cut their deficit to 14-13. Jokic seemingly found his rhythm back. With his nine points and five rebounds, the Nuggets ended the first quarter with a slim 28-27 lead.

In the second quarter, the Nuggets extended their lead and headed into halftime with a 56-54 lead over their rivals. The Joker scored 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds. After the break, the reigning MVP recorded a double-double three minutes into the third quarter, with 27 points and 10 rebounds. The 2023 champions went on a 14-3 run and pulled an 80-68 lead. However, the Thunder were quick to comeback and cut their deficit to 86-78 by the end of the third quarter.

Things took an exciting turn in the final quarter, when Thunder’s 11-2 run tied the game at 92 with over five minutes. Since then, it was a cut-throat competition between both the teams. The Thunder gained a 103-100 lead with 1:42 left, but Jokic’s staggering shot from the logo to tie the score. However, the Thunder gained the momentum of the game in the final few seconds and went on to record a 112-105 win.

JOKER WITH A CRAZY 3 FOR 44!

GET TO TNT FOR A WILD GAME 5 FINISH!!! pic.twitter.com/RT0Nmrir7m
— NBA (@NBA) May 14, 2025

Action will head to Ball Arena for a do-or-die Game 6 for the Nuggets on Thursday, May 15. The Thunder would want to wrap up the series in Denver, and interestingly Game 5 winners have ended up winning the series 192-44 in NBA playoffs.

Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokic

Oklahoma City Thunder

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.