Context:

Nikola Jokic delivered a standout performance in Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, scoring a game-high 44 points on 68% shooting, including five three-pointers. Despite his efforts, the Denver Nuggets could not maintain their lead, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a comeback victory with 31 points. Jokic's performance marked a significant turnaround from his previous games, where he struggled with shooting accuracy. In the first half alone, Jokic nearly achieved a double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds. The game was characterized by a thrilling exchange, particularly in the third quarter, where Jokic and teammate Jamal Murray combined for 25 of the Nuggets' 30 points, yet it wasn't enough to secure the win.

Dive Deeper:

• Nikola Jokic rebounded from a shooting slump in previous games to score 44 points on 68% shooting, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, in a critical Game 5 matchup against the Thunder.

• Despite Jokic's dominant performance, the Denver Nuggets were unable to fend off a rally by the Oklahoma City Thunder, who were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 31-point game, ultimately losing 112-105.

• Jokic's first-quarter performance was particularly notable, scoring nine points and surpassing his team's previous game quarter score of eight points, setting the tone for his outstanding individual performance.

• In the first half, Jokic was close to a double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds, showcasing his influence on both ends of the court.

• The third quarter saw Jokic and Jamal Murray recreate their dynamic partnership reminiscent of the 2020 NBA Bubble and the 2023 NBA title run, combining for 25 points, yet it was insufficient to secure a series lead.

• Jokic's skill was highlighted by a significant play where he executed his trademark Sombor Shuffle, hitting a turnaround three-pointer under pressure to tie the game.

• Despite not securing a victory, Jokic's Game 5 performance was memorable and demonstrated his critical role in the Nuggets' offensive strategies, though ultimately it fell short against a resilient Thunder team.

• After struggling heavily in Games 1 through 4, Nikola Jokic broke through in a pivotal Game 5 loss to the Thunder.

• The Nuggets' three-time MVP center entered Tuesday night having shot a combined 15-of-47 (31.9 percent) from the field in his previous two outings. It did not take long for him to make those uncharacteristic showings a distant memory in Game 5.

• Jokic came out of the gates firing, scoring nine points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field in the first quarter. Notably, Jokic's first-quarter output outdid his team's historically paltry eight-point showing in Game 4. 

• 📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

• As it is often said, Jokic started fast and finished strong, but his performance was not enough, as Denver couldn't hold off OKC in front of a rowdy home crowd. On the back of their own MVP candidate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31 points, seven assists, six rebounds), the Thunder overcame an eight-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to come away with a 112-105 win. While Jokic's efforts proved futile, they were one for the books.

• Here is a closer look at Jokic's performance in Game 5.

• NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket

• Nikola Jokic Game 5 stats vs. Thunder

  After scoring nine points in the first quarter, Jokic added 10 more points in the second to set up a 25-point second-half showing.

• He finished with a game-high 44 points on an efficient 68.0 percent shooting from the field, including 5-of-7 from 3-point range. Jokic did it all without getting to the line, though he made the most of his five attempts at the charity stripe.

• Here's a look at the full stat line:

• • 44 points
  • 17-25 (68.0 %) FG
  • 5-7 (71.4%) 3FG
  • 5-5 (100.0%) FTs
  • 15 rebounds
  • 5 assists
  • 2 steals
  • 2 turnovers
  After making 15 shots in his two previous games, Jokic connected on 17 field goal attempts in Game 5 alone.

• There were few answers for him defensively, and he also made his presence felt on the other side of the floor with two steals and a big drawn charge in the second half. Unfortunately for the Nuggets, the efforts came in a gut-wrenching loss.

• Nikola Jokic Game 5 highlights vs. Thunder

  As the numbers would suggest, there weren't many answers for Jokic in the first half. He flirted with a double-double in the first 24 minutes, entering the break with 19 points and nine rebounds on 61.5 percent shooting from the field.

• Jokić took over for Denver in the first half!
  
  🃏 19 points
  🃏 9 rebounds
  🃏 8-13 shooting
  
  The @nuggets are looking to secure a 3-2 lead on the road! pic.twitter.com/yX5qM1of7b

• — NBA (@NBA) May 14, 2025 The third quarter was reminiscent of the Jokic-Jamal Murray pairing fans saw plenty of during the 2020 NBA Bubble and Denver's 2023 NBA title run. 

• Jokić and Murray combine for 25 of Denver's 30 third quarter points 😲
  
  Jokić: 12 points (31 in Game)
  Murray: 13 points (24 in Game)
  
  Nuggets seek a 3-2 lead on the road tonight on TNT! pic.twitter.com/LDwzeKlKyR

• — NBA (@NBA) May 14, 2025 Perhaps Jokic's most impressive play of the game came in one of the biggest spots as he used his signature Sombor Shuffle to set up a turnaround 3 that beat the shot clock and tied things up late.

• JOKER WITH A CRAZY 3 FOR 44!
  
  GET TO TNT FOR A WILD GAME 5 FINISH!!! pic.twitter.com/RT0Nmrir7m

• — NBA (@NBA) May 14, 2025