Nikola Jokic Reflects on Subpar Performance Amid Nuggets’ Pivotal Game 5 Win Over Clippers
Although Nikola Jokic didn’t deliver his usual high-scoring outing, finishing with a modest 13-point triple-double, the Denver Nuggets secured a significant 131–115 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5, gaining a critical edge in their first-round series.
Player of the Game:
Jamal Murray
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Efficiency Rating: 49
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Points: 43
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Field Goals: 17-26
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Rebounds: 5
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Assists: 7
Jokic contributed with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists—still a triple-double, but quiet by his standards. With Jokic not leading the offense, Jamal Murray stepped up in a major way, delivering a dominant 43-point performance to power the Nuggets to victory.
After the game, Jokic addressed his subdued scoring night, stressing the importance of making an impact in other ways when shots aren’t falling.
“It just wasn’t my night, and that’s okay,” Jokic said. “The key is doing whatever it takes to help the team win, even if that doesn’t mean scoring.”
He also lauded Murray’s mindset and strong performance.
“When he’s playing with that kind of aggression, he’s incredibly tough to stop,” Jokic said of Murray. “He was fantastic tonight.”
Despite taking a 3–2 series lead, Jokic rejected the idea that the pressure now lies with the Clippers, insisting the Nuggets embrace the challenge.
“We want the pressure,” he said. “We want the game to be physical, intense. The pressure stays on us—we thrive on it.”
