Nikola Jokic bags triple-double as Denver Nuggets take series lead against Phoenix Suns

The Denver Nuggets won Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Phoenix Suns 118-102 thanks to Nikola Jokic's 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, Bruce Brown's 25 points off the bench, and their home-court advantage.

For the Nuggets, who are currently leading the best-of-seven series 3-2, Michael Porter Jr., Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon all scored 19 points.

Devin Booker scored 28 points, Kevin Durant had 26 points and 11 rebounds, and Deandre Ayton contributed 14 points and 9 rebounds for the Suns.

Denver gained the upper hand in a tense third quarter after a competitive first half. With a 17-4 run to start the second half, the Nuggets took the lead 69-53 and kept extending it.

Denver easily won thanks to the triple-double from the two-time MVP. Devin Booker, the shooting guard for the Suns, scored 28 points for Phoenix throughout the game.

The Western Conference semifinals are now within reach for the Nuggets with just one victory remaining.

The Suns closed the gap to 17 points and had a chance to get closer, but a Murray steal sparked a 6-2 run and an 89-68 advantage late in the third.

When Brown and Jokic were standing close to the Phoenix huddle with 37.6 seconds left in the third, and Durant elbowed Jokic, who flailed back, things became heated as Brown and Durant received a technical foul.

Denver led the game by 91-74 heading into the fourth quarter before going on an instant surge to effectively seal the victory.

The Nuggets have a chance to wrap up the series in Phoenix when Gmae 6 takes place on Thursday, May 11, 2023.