Jamal Murray dropped his highest scoring game of this year's playoffs. Russell Westbrook returned with a bang. Even Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Christian Braun delivered big-time.
Back at home, Denver’s other players not named Nikola Jokic finally raised their level of play in a critical stretch of the series.
Murray uncorked 43 points built on eight threes, taking command of a strong 131-115 Nuggets showing over the Clippers in Game 5 to seize a 3-2 lead, Wednesday (PH time), April 30.
MAKE IT 43 POINTS ??
— NBA (@NBA) April 30, 2025
Murray's Game 5 TAKEOVER has Denver on the verge of taking a 3-2 series lead! https://t.co/MEGgxZq1np
Westbrook provided the much-needed spark off the bench, supplying 21 points in minutes after missing the previous outing due to a left foot inflammation.
Splashhh
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 30, 2025
Gordon put up a solid 23-point outing while Braun and Porter Jr. combined for 25 markers, as Denver moved one win closer towards a third West semis appearance in the last four years.
Christian Braun drills a deep 3 heading into the 4th!
— NBA (@NBA) April 30, 2025
Series tied 2-2 | DEN leads on TNT
Jokic was limited to his lowest scoring game this postseason at 13 points, but the three-time MVP recorded his 21st career playoff triple-double after dishing out 13 assists and grabbing 10 rebounds.
The Nuggets aim to close out the series in Game 6 on Saturday (PH time), May 3.
On the other hand, Kawhi Leonard flirted with a triple-double performance of 21 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds in a losing effort for the Clippers.
KAWHI REJECTION 🚫
— NBA (@NBA) April 30, 2025
Keeping the Clippers within striking distance on TNT!
Ivica Zubac netted a team-high 22 markers but LA fell to as many as 22 points and came as close as to within nine points in the final frame.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]
