Nuggets Dominate Clippers, Eye Series Win Thanks to Murray's Heroics

DENVER — Nikola Jokić might be known for carrying the team, but on Tuesday night, the Denver Nuggets flourished without relying solely on him. Jamal Murray’s explosive 43-point game, including eight 3-pointers, alongside Russell Westbrook’s fiery performance off the bench, catapulted Denver to a commanding 131-115 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. With this pivotal Game 5 win, the Nuggets now hold a 3-2 series edge and have a chance to seal their first-round playoff success on Thursday.

Back in his prime playoff form, Murray, who was crucial in leading the Nuggets to the 2023 NBA championship, again proved his mettle. Last season, injuries hampered his performance and the team’s progress, halting their postseason journey in the second round. However, this time, he returned with a vengeance, netting 19 points in a dominant first half where Denver secured a 67-59 lead. He continued the momentum with a decisive step-back jumper at the start of the third quarter.

Murray’s performance extended the Nuggets’ advantage, pushing their lead to 80-63 with his fifth 3-pointer early in the third quarter. Even as the Clippers threatened to rally, Murray’s sixth 3-pointer resecured Denver’s double-digit lead at 91-80, a blow the Clippers couldn’t recover from.

Following a tough Game 4 in Los Angeles, highlighted by Aaron Gordon’s climactic dunk, Denver showcased their offensive prowess at home, largely thanks to Murray’s brilliance, leaving the Clippers struggling to keep pace.

When the Clippers deployed a zone defense in the fourth quarter to disrupt Denver’s rhythm, Murray ended their strategy’s effectiveness. He scored with a free throw after a transition take foul and followed with a jumper, reinforcing the Nuggets’ lead to 121-107, effectively clinching the game’s outcome.

Notably, Murray contributed with seven assists and five rebounds, shooting an impressive 17-of-26 from the field and 8-of-14 from beyond the arc. Yet, Murray wasn’t the only star.

Westbrook, who was doubtful due to a foot injury that kept him out of Game 4, received clearance just before the game commenced, bringing relief to the Nuggets. Entering the game late in the first quarter with Denver ahead 25-17, he left for the bench again only in the first half’s closing minutes, to the cheers of a supportive Denver crowd.

Westbrook notched 16 points in a vibrant 13-minute span, maintaining Denver’s lead at 58-50. Notably, two consecutive 3-pointers from him in the second quarter expanded the lead to 45-32, and his signature rock-the-baby celebration followed a three-point play that concluded his scoring sequence.

Ultimately, Westbrook tallied 21 points, with efficient shooting of 8-of-15 from the field and 3-of-6 from deep. On this night, Denver saw “good Russ” in action.

Can the Nuggets seal the deal this time?

The Nuggets found themselves in a parallel scenario last season against the Minnesota Timberwolves. While they clinched Game 5 then as well, they stumbled in Game 6, and the Timberwolves capitalized in Game 7 with a comeback that ousted the reigning champions in the second round.

Coach David Adelman refrained from speculating about the implications of a Game 5 victory during his pregame conference.

“We won this matchup last year,” Adelman recalled. “Everyone was thrilled about the swing game. Then we were hit hard in Game 6 and suffered a difficult defeat in Game 7 in Minnesota.

“If you start forecasting the conclusion — thinking, ‘this is how the story plays out’ — you’re asking for trouble.”

Unlike last year’s playoffs, this time, Denver must attempt to close out the series on the road, as Game 6 unfolds in Los Angeles. The Nuggets are ready to defy last season’s fate.