It took five games, but the Denver Nuggets finally looked like themselves in the 125-113 Game 5 defeat of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nikola Jokic played great, but it was the spark in the starting lineup that Spencer Jones provided in place of the injured Aaron Gordon that sprung the Nuggets to the victory and kept their season alive, moving the series to 3-2 in favor of Minnesota.
Spencer Jones was electric
Jones made his second start of the series for the injured Gordon, and this time his impact was felt nearly immediately. Jones had two steals in the first quarter to help set the defensive tone the Nuggets needed early, and he followed it up with a block in the second quarter and 9 first-half points, including one three-pointer.
But it was Jones' 11-point third quarter that blew the roof of Ball Arena. He was 3-3 from deep, and he had a huge dunk that sealed the momentum swing in the Nuggets' direction, and they were able to extend the lead out to 27 points at the end of the third quarter swing. They never looked back.
Jones finished the game with 20 points, 3 steals, 3 blocks, on 7-9 shooting, joining Shawn Marion and Hakeem Olajuwon as the only players in NBA history with a stat line like that. That's a heck of an update for the LinkedIn profile.
Jones sparked the defense
Jones boost was needed in place of Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets defensive stopper. Jones helped trigger an avalanche of solid, physical defense for the Nuggets, as they forced 25 turnovers from the Timberwolves and snagged 16 steals and 6 blocks.
It was by far the most steals in a game this series, and the second most blocks for the Nuggets. The added pressure forced the Timberwolves into those 25 turnovers, which was a series high. Jones proved he can provide the energy and vibes that AG does when he starts, and the Nuggets should feel confident relying on Jones again in Game 6 if Gordon can't go. Jones' energy may be exactly what the Nuggets need.
Nikola Jokic finally had a fantastic game
Jokic was dormant in the first four games of the series. His three-point shot remained so, but Jokic had his best game of the series, and the most assists he's ever had against the Timberwolves in a playoff game. Did he finally figure out Rudy Gobert and the Wolves?
Joker finished with 27 points on 9-15 shooting, 1-4 from deep, 12 rebounds, and 16 assists. He had another triple-double through three quarters, and this one moved him into a tie for first place on the all-time regular-season and playoff combined list with Russell Westbrook at 221.
Thanks to Jones spark, Jokic will have a chance to break that record in Game 6 back in Minnesota.
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