Nikola Jokic activates his scoring mode against the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets now take a 3-2 series lead

The Denver Nuggets prevailed this Tuesday night in game 5 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. The Minnesota Timberwolves came to Mile High City trying to emulate what they have done last time they were in town, but Nikola Jokic had other plans, scoring 40 points to propel Denver's victory 112-97.

The Nuggets came into game 5 of this exciting matchup on a roll, having won 2 consecutive away victories that allowed them to even the series at 2 games apiece, and regain the home court advantage they had lost after a crushing start to the series by the Timberwolves.

Minnesota was looking to get back on the winning track, and resume everything that had led them to put the defending champions in a very delicate situation. The Wolves were missing their starting point guard, Mike Conley, who had to watch the game from the bench due to an Achilles tendon inflammation. Chris Finch's team wasn't able to unravel the spider's web that Denver's defense wove for them, finding it very difficult to score.

The Joker played a perfect game, punishing the best defense in the NBA, possession after possession. The Serbian received his third MVP in a mini-ceremony prior to the duel and it looks like that extra motivation fell spectacularly on him, finishing with 40 points, 13 assists and 7 rebounds. Aaron Gordon has become a key factor in the series, contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds today. Jamal Murray was off on offense, scoring just 16 points.

On the Minnesota side, Karl-Anthony Towns was the leading scorer with 23 points. Anthony Edwards did not have a good night, scoring 18 points. The Timberwolves will need more from him if they want to survive against the defending champions.

Next Thursday, Jokic and company will look to close out the series and put away a Minnesota team that has played excellent basketball but has come up against one of the best teams in recent years that has among its ranks the best player in the world today.