JUST IN: Nikola Jokic Issues a Bold Statement in Attempt tyo Force Game 7 Ahead of Pivotal Game 6 vs. Thunder…
Following the Denver Nuggets’ 112-105 defeat in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals, Nikola Jokic delivered a strong message to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now trailing 3-2 in the series, the reigning champions face elimination in Game 6 on their home court.
This series has been tightly contested, with little separating the two sides. After a big overtime win in Game 3 that gave Denver a 2-1 lead, the Nuggets have struggled to keep momentum, dropping back-to-back games to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. In Game 5, Denver squandered an eight-point fourth-quarter lead as OKC surged to outscore them 34-19 in the final frame, putting themselves one win away from the Western Conference Finals.
Despite the recent setbacks, the Nuggets are far from panicked. With their championship pedigree and the energy of the Ball Arena crowd behind them, Denver is confident they can force a Game 7. Jokic emphasized that message clearly after the Game 5 loss.
“We’re not just going to hand them Game 6,” Jokic said. “We’ll be at home, in front of our fans. Apart from Game 2, every matchup has been close. We’ve been right there, and I believe we have a real shot. We’re going to give it everything.”
Jokic, despite scoring 44 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in Game 5, has endured a challenging series by his high standards. In the previous three games, he averaged 21.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on poor shooting numbers—just 33.3% from the field and 18.2% from beyond the arc—along with 16 turnovers.
Still, Game 5 may have signaled a turning point in Jokic’s performance. He shot an efficient 17-of-25 from the floor and 5-of-7 from three. Jamal Murray also stepped up with 28 points in 42 minutes of action, giving the Nuggets a reason to believe they can bounce back.
“It’s never fun to lose,” Jokic said. “But I enjoy competitive games, no matter if it’s the playoffs or the regular season. My approach doesn’t change. That mindset keeps me ready.”
The Nuggets remain confident they can overcome a 3-2 deficit and defeat a Thunder team that led the league with a 68-14 regular-season record. Jokic’s belief in his squad is unwavering, and with their backs against the wall, Denver is determined to rise to the occasion in Game 6.
