April 28 (UPI) — Nikola Jokic said the Denver Nuggets want to create energy, while ignoring “noise” in Game 6 of their first-round series with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jokic recorded a 27-point, 16-assist, 12-rebound triple-double to help the Nuggets pull off a 125-113 win in Game 5 on Monday in Denver. He lauded his teammates for their physicality after the triumph, which helped the Nuggets avoid elimination and extended the best-of-seven game series.
“We’re going to create our own energy,” Jokic told reporters. “We are going to drive off that. That’s our mindset. We are not going to let the noise affect us.
“Just create your own energy and drive off that.”
The Timberwolves, who held a 3-1 series lead, played without starting guards Anthony Edwards (hyperextended knee) and Donte DiVincenzo, who were both lost in Game 4. They trailed by as many as 27 points in Game 5.
The Nuggets outshot the Timberwolves 56.6% to 50.6%. They totaled 35 assists against 16 turnovers. The Timberwolves registered 26 assists and 25 turnovers, which led to 35 Nuggets points.
“It was the turnovers, more than anything else, that hurt us,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said.
The Nuggets also held advantages of 62-50 in points in the paint and 23-13 in fast break points. The game featured just three lead changes. Guard Jamal Murray logged 24 points, seven assists, four rebounds and four steals for the Nuggets. Forwards Spencer Jones and Cameron Johnson scored 20 and 18 points, respectively.
Timberwolves forward Julius Randle scored 27 points in the loss. Guard Ayo Dosunmu chipped in 18 points for the Timberwolves, who will host Game 6 on Thursday in Minneapolis.
“It’s just a good win, then you move on,” Nuggets coach David Adelman said.
The Timberwolves announced Monday that Edwards is considered week-to-week due to his left knee injury. DiVincenzo is out after undergoing surgery Sunday on his Achilles.
Game 7, if necessary, will be Saturday in Denver. The winner of the series between the No. 3 Nuggets (2-3) and No. 6 Timberwolves (3-2) will face the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs or No. 7 Portland Trail Blazers in a Western Conference semifinals series. The Spurs lead the Blazers 3-1 in their first-round series.
The Blazers will host the Spurs in Game 5 at 9:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Portland.