Thunder Surge to 3-2 Lead Over Nuggets; Gilgeous-Alexander Scores 31, Jokic Posts 44

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 112-105 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinal series. The Thunder now hold a 3-2 lead in the series, with the opportunity to advance to the Western Conference finals in the next game. Six Thunder players reached double figures in scoring, with Gilgeous-Alexander also contributing 7 assists.

Despite a strong performance from Nikola Jokic, who recorded 44 points and 15 rebounds, along with 5 assists, the Nuggets were unable to maintain their lead. Jokic's efforts were supported by Jamal Murray, who added 28 points on 10 of 27 shooting, but the rest of the team struggled, with no other player scoring more than 13 points.

The Thunder's comeback was sparked by Lu Dort, who hit three crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter, helping to cut the Nuggets' lead and set the stage for the Thunder's late surge. The Thunder started the game with a 12-2 lead, and despite Denver leading by 11 points in the second quarter and 86-78 going into the fourth, Oklahoma City rallied back. Jalen Williams also played a key role, contributing 18 points and 9 rebounds. Jokic hit a deep fadeaway 3-pointer to tie the game at 103, but the Thunder closed out the game with Williams' go-ahead 3-pointer and Gilgeous-Alexander's dagger three.