BREAKING: Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Makes Clear Thunder Statement After Game 5

The Denver Nuggets superstar has not given up on this second-round series in the NBA Playoffs.

Game 5 between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder featured a wasted Herculean effort from Nikola Jokic.

The Nuggets superstar dropped another ridiculous stat line, only to see Denver lose a brutal 112-105 ball game to Oklahoma City down the stretch of the fourth quarter.

Jokic finished night with 44 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the narrow loss to the Thunder. The Serbian big man was one of only three players to score double digits for Denver, and the only player who shot above 50 percent from the field.

May 11, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts towards referee Sean Wright (4) after a play in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game four of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Jokic discusses mentality heading into Game 6

Despite the disappointing result in Game 5 against the Thunder, Jokic felt pretty confident after the night was over in relation to his big-time performance.

”I mean the ball is going in. I made five threes tonight. That helps,” Jokic told Vic Lombardi at the postgame press conference.

More importantly, the best player in the world made it clear that despite having their backs against the wall, the Nuggets will not be rushing to make things easy for the Thunder.

”We’re not gonna just give them game six. We’re playing in front of our crowd. Series is close,” Jokic commented.

The Nuggets superstar has been his usual brilliant self in the postseason. Jokic is averaging 26.5 points, 12.9 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 2.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game throughout the NBA Playoffs so far.

The averages and efficiency (shooting 48-38-76) are down a touch from the regular season, but that is to be expected with the challenge of facing playoff defenses. Especially when they are as great as the Thunder’s.

Jokic will likely need another back-breaking effort to keep the Nuggets afloat at Ball Arena on Thursday.