Denver One Game Away from Advancing After Game 5 Victory

Jamal Murray delivered a dominant performance in Game 5 of the Denver Nuggets’ first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring 43 points and leading his team to a comfortable 131-115 win. This victory gives the Nuggets a 3-2 series lead, putting them one game away from advancing to the second round.

Murray Shines, Nuggets’ Offense Fires on All Cylinders

This was the Jamal Murray that Nuggets fans had been waiting for this postseason. Playing alongside Nikola Jokic, Murray resembled the version of himself that helped the Nuggets win the 2023 championship. While Murray has been inconsistent this season, his performance on Tuesday night showcased his full potential. Denver’s offense had its most potent game of the series, capitalizing on Murray’s hot shooting.

With the win, the Nuggets head back to Southern California for Game 6 on Thursday night with a chance to close out the series.

Clippers Struggle as Series Shifts Momentum

Throughout the first three games, the Clippers looked like the stronger team, but Denver managed to escape with a victory in Game 1, thanks in part to a clutch performance from Russell Westbrook. However, the tide has turned over the last two games, with the Nuggets controlling seven out of the eight quarters played. In Game 4, the Nuggets were in charge for most of the contest before nearly blowing the lead, only to be saved by Aaron Gordon’s crucial tip-in.

In Game 5, Denver took control from the opening tip, with Jokic and Murray seeming to have figured out the Clippers’ defense. While Jokic finished with a triple-double—13 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds—his performance was relatively quiet compared to Murray’s explosion. Aaron Gordon also contributed 23 points, and Westbrook had a solid outing with 19 points, including three made three-pointers.

Clippers Struggle in Loss

The Clippers’ best player on the floor was Ivica Zubac, who scored 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting. Kawhi Leonard added 20 points and 11 assists, while James Harden struggled once again, finishing with 11 points and eight rebounds. Despite strong individual performances, the Clippers could not keep pace with the Nuggets’ offensive firepower.

Clippers Must Regain Defense to Stay Alive

As the series heads to Game 6, the Clippers face a must-win situation at home to keep their season alive. To force a Game 7, Los Angeles will need a big performance from Harden or Norman Powell, but more importantly, they will need to rediscover the strong defense that defined their play in the first three games of the series. Without it, the Nuggets will be poised to advance.