In a pivotal Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series, the Denver Nuggets secured a commanding 131-115 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, taking a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. The win was highlighted by standout performances from Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook, propelling the Nuggets to within one game of advancing to the next round.
Jamal Murray’s Explosive Performance
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with a game-high 43 points, shooting an impressive 17-of-26 from the field, including 8-of-14 from three-point range. His scoring surge included 24 points in the second half, with 11 in the third quarter and 13 in the fourth, ensuring the Nuggets maintained their lead throughout the game .
“Tonight, he played great,” Clippers star Kawhi Leonard acknowledged. “He came out, made shots, got hot, found his teammates, and we pretty much couldn’t stop him. He played amazing.”
Russell Westbrook’s Impactful Return
Returning from a left foot injury, Russell Westbrook provided a significant boost off the bench, contributing 21 points in just 18 minutes of play. His 16 first-half points helped the Nuggets establish an early lead, and his energy and experience were evident throughout the game .
“When he’s aggressive, we’re a different team,” Westbrook said of Murray. “When he’s got that swagger and he’s going out and competing at the level he did tonight, we’re a tough team to beat.”
Nikola Jokic’s Triple-Double and Team Contributions
Nikola Jokic recorded his third triple-double of the series, finishing with 13 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. Aaron Gordon added 23 points, while Christian Braun contributed a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. The Nuggets’ balanced attack and efficient shooting (51.5% from beyond the arc) overwhelmed the Clippers’ defense .
Despite holding Jokic to just 13 points, the Clippers struggled to contain Murray and the Nuggets’ offense. Kawhi Leonard posted 20 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, while Ivica Zubac led the team with 27 points. James Harden, however, was limited to 11 points on 3-of-9 shooting and committed four turnovers .
The Clippers now face elimination as the series shifts back to Los Angeles for Game 6. They will need to address their defensive lapses and find ways to counter the Nuggets’ dynamic offense to extend the series.
Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday night in Los Angeles. The Nuggets will aim to close out the series and advance to the Western Conference semifinals, while the Clippers will fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.
