Nuggets on Edge After Game 5 Loss to Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Denver Nuggets find themselves on the brink of elimination after a 112-105 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of their playoff series. The loss came during a crucial matchup that saw the Nuggets, who led by as many as 12 points in the second half, struggling to maintain their advantage.

Lu Dort led the charge for the Thunder, hitting multiple 3-pointers that fueled a comeback for the top-seeded team. With Game 6 set for Thursday at Ball Arena, the Nuggets must win both remaining games to advance.

Jalen Williams hit a key 3-pointer with 1:19 left that gave the Thunder a lead, which was extended by a shot from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the following possession. Despite a strong performance from Nikola Jokic, who scored 44 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, the Nuggets fell short. Jamal Murray added 26 points, but the rest of the Nuggets struggled, combining for just 13 points on 45 attempts.

“We didn’t execute well in the fourth quarter,” Adelman said. “We went too long without scoring, and that hurt us.” The Nuggets only managed 19 points in the final quarter, a stark contrast to the offensive output they had in earlier periods of the game.

The Thunder, steady throughout, saw Gilgeous-Alexander contribute 29 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. The team has showcased reliable performances from its role players, needed to balance the scoring against a strong Denver team.

The pressure is mounting for the Nuggets as they now have to win both remaining games to survive in the playoffs. Jokic, despite his personal achievements, has expressed frustration at the team’s performance, acknowledging the collective struggles. “We need to play smarter,” he said. “We can’t let this slip away.”

This playoff series has proven challenging for both teams, and with Game 6 on the horizon, the Nuggets face a pivotal moment. They must regroup and adjust their strategies to fend off the Thunder and keep their championship hopes alive.