Nikola Jokic was at his dominant best in the Denver Nuggets’ 112-97 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5. Jokic took over the game in the third quarter and Anthony Edwards admitted he could just laugh when he saw the three-time MVP convert some of the ridiculous shots that he took.
“I just laugh. That’s all I can do. I mean I can’t be mad because he’s good, man,” Edwards said. “I think I said that after Game 1 when we won, and Game 2. He’s the MVP, he’s the best player in the NBA. He showed it in the last three games in a row and tonight. He was special tonight. I got to give him his flowers. I don’t know what we were supposed to do. He was that guy tonight.”
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All you really can do when Jokic has it going is laugh. Before this game, commissioner Adam Silver had handed the 29-year-old his third MVP trophy and he then proceeded to put in a performance befitting of an MVP.
Jokic recorded 40 points, 7 rebounds, 13 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. The six-time All-Star had zero turnovers and also went an impressive 15-22 from the field. In the third quarter, he scored 16 points on 6-7 shooting from the field to all but end the game as a contest.
As for Edwards, he struggled in this one as the Nuggets kept double-teaming him. With Mike Conley ruled out due to a sore right Achilles, the Nuggets defense was able to key in on the 22-year-old.
As a result, Edwards finished with just 18 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1 steal. He went 5-15 from the field and had 4 turnovers as well. He and the Timberwolves would be hoping Conley is back for Game 6, or else they might be in for another rough night.
It is a bit crazy to think just how much things can change in a week in the NBA. After Game 2 on Monday last week, Edwards was held on this pedestal, and everyone seemingly was comparing him to Michael Jordan. Meanwhile, there were talks of Jokic not deserving the MVP award and perhaps being a bit overrated. Safe to say, no one is questioning the Serb’s abilities now.
Anthony Edwards Told A Nuggets Locker Room Attendant That He Would Back For Game 7
While Edwards praised Jokic after the game, he isn’t waiving the white flag just yet. As per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Timberwolves star told a Nuggets locker room attendant before leaving the building after Game 5 that they’ll be back soon.
Ant: “You jinxed us (after Game 2).”
Attendant: “I liked our chances. What do you expect me to say, Ant?”
Ant: “See you Game 7.”
You admire the confidence and it wasn’t exactly an outrageous statement either. It isn’t ludicrous to believe that the Timberwolves can win Game 6 at home. I am sure many are struggling to see a scenario where Minnesota can win a game, but the same doubts existed regarding Denver last week.
I think this series will end up going seven games. As for who would win that Game 7, I would back Jokic and the Nuggets to get the better of Edwards and the Timberwolves.
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