Nikola Jokic's best playoff performance of the year wasn't enough to propel the Denver Nuggets to a Game 5 win over the Thunder. Denver ran out of gas in the fourth quarter, losing 112-105, making Game 6 at Ball Arena a must-win.
The Nuggets risk getting eliminated in the semifinals for the second consecutive season, which isn't the position they want to be in with the best player in the world on their roster. Yes, Denver won its first-ever title in 2023, which will be remembered forever in franchise history, but since then, the Nuggets have failed Jokic.
Not many people thought Denver would be in the position it is in now, especially not after the Kroenke family fired Michael Malone and Calvin Booth with three games remaining in the regular season. The Nuggets finished the season on a three-game winning streak, securing the No. 4 seed in the West. They beat Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers in seven games in the first round to advance to the semifinals. Denver and OKC split the first four games of the series, but couldn't finish (again) when it mattered most.
Jokic poured in 44 points on 17-of-25 shooting (5-of-7 from three). He added 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals to his stat line. He and Jamal Murray (who had 28 points but on 10-of-27 shooting) played the entire fourth quarter. The Nuggets didn't have enough outside of Jokic to hold off the Thunder down the stretch.
Nuggets' flaws on display during Game 5 loss to Thunder
Denver's depth can't compete with Oklahoma City's, and that much was made clear on Tuesday night at Paycom Center. Another thing that was painfully clear was the lack of production from players not named Jokic and Murray. Michael Porter Jr. finished with two points (1-of-7 from the field, 0-of-5 from deep), four rebounds, and two assists in 29 minutes.
Porter blamed himself for the Nuggets' Games 4 and 5 losses, saying he hadn't contributed as he should. He's dealing with a shoulder injury he wouldn't be playing through if it weren't the playoffs. It's admirable that he's still out there, but that doesn't mean he's free from criticism. Denver needs him to knock down big-time shots, something he hasn't been able to do.
It'd be unfair to ask more from Jokic in Game 6, but he might need a similar game to the one he had last night for the Nuggets to stand a chance. What should reassure fans is that everyone knows he can be that player again (and yet again in Game 7); however, what isn't comforting is the thought of what will happen if Denver doesn't get enough production outside of Jokic.
The 30-year-old is the exact opposite of your typical NBA superstar, but the way the last few months have played out around the league has Nuggets fans worried. Will Jokic ask out if Denver fails to reach the WCF for the second straight year? He seems content to stay in Colorado for the entirety of his career, but the front office doesn't need to take advantage of his loyalty.
This conversation won't need to be had (or will at least be delayed) if the Nuggets win their next two games, but even then, they'll have to make it past the Timberwolves to reach the NBA Finals. Can that happen? Absolutely. Will it take more than Jokic (and Murray)? Yes.
Denver isn't playing for Jokic's future with the organization, but still needs to play with a sense of urgency. The West is only improving, so the Nuggets must capitalize on what's in front of them, but it won't be easy.