'Is Jokic enough?': Thunder's fourth-quarter storm leaves Nuggets' depth exposed in Game 5 thriller - The Economic Times

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‘Is Jokic enough?’: Thunder’s fourth-quarter storm leaves Nuggets’ depth exposed in Game 5 thriller

Global DeskLast Updated: May 14, 2025, 11:05:00 AM IST

With 8 minutes to go and down by double digits, the Thunder didn’t flinch. Instead, they erupted.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s calm yet deadly general, dropped 31 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds in 39 minutes, driving hard into the lane and draining clutch midrange shots.

Jalen Williams (18 pts, 9 rebs, 4 asts) and rookie big man Chet Holmgren (14 pts, 9 rebs) gave OKC the frontcourt stability to counter Jokić’s dominance. Isaiah Hartenstein’s inside presence (15 pts, 6 rebs) added grit.

Even with limited bench production, Alex Caruso (13 pts) and Lu Dort (12 pts) delivered timely buckets and defensive intensity.

The Thunder shot a commanding 50.6% from the field and 41.4% from beyond the arc, an offensive efficiency that ultimately cracked Denver’s defense.
This game will be remembered for Jokić’s singular effort with 44 points in 44 minutes, a showcase of skill, toughness, and desperation.

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Jamal Murray tried to support with 28 points of his own, but beyond the star duo, the Nuggets were a no-show. Aaron Gordon (13 pts) chipped in, but Denver’s role players such as Michael Porter Jr. (2 pts), Russell Westbrook (4 pts), and the entire bench (just 10 combined points), all faded under playoff pressure.

The Nuggets hit just 41.2% from the field and a dismal 28.3% from three (13-for-46). Even their 92.3% free-throw shooting couldn’t offset their inefficiency elsewhere.

Defensively, Denver had fewer steals, blocks, and overall energy. The Thunder simply looked hungrier down the stretch.

With both teams scoring 48 points in the paint, the difference came from the perimeter, where OKC’s guards and wings outshot and outpaced their counterparts.

While the Nuggets grabbed more rebounds (49 to 42), their 14 turnovers and lack of playmaking beyond Murray and Jokić proved fatal.

As Game 6 looms, the question is unavoidable: Can the Nuggets rely on their stars to do everything? Or will Denver’s bench finally show up before it's too late?