Jokić’s Heroics Fall Short as Fatigue, Depth Issues Push Nuggets to Brink Against Thunder

As Game 5 between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder entered its final quarter, Nuggets interim coach David Adelman made a bold call—he asked Nikola Jokić to play the entire second half. Jokić, ever the warrior, agreed without hesitation.

Adelman likened the decision to a trainer assessing a boxer before a final round, ultimately choosing to keep his star on the court for what was shaping up to be the most critical game of the series. However, the gamble backfired. The Nuggets, visibly fatigued, blew a nine-point lead with just 10 minutes left, as the younger, more energetic Thunder surged to a 112-105 win and a 3-2 series lead.

Jokić Shines Bright, But Heavy Minutes and Fatigue Undermine Nuggets’ Late Effort

Despite the loss, Jokić delivered a masterful performance, scoring 44 points with 15 rebounds and five assists. Denver had built an 86-78 lead going into the fourth quarter and looked in control. This being a pivotal Game 5, where the winner often takes the series, Adelman’s logic to leave Jokić in made sense.

If Denver had held on, it would return home with a chance to close the series. Instead, the decision to heavily rely on starters—Jokić played 44 minutes, Jamal Murray 42, and Christian Braun 43—may have cost them the game as fatigue clearly set in.

Though Murray insisted postgame that fatigue wasn’t an issue—claiming he plays better tired, the results told a different story. The Nuggets were outscored 34-19 in the fourth quarter and struggled to hit open shots or secure defensive stops.

Their legs looked heavy, especially compared to a Thunder team that maintained its quickness and precision. As Denver’s offense faltered and their defense broke down, the absence of energy and execution stood out starkly. The reliance on a short rotation, with little rest from the prior series, seemed to be catching up with them.

Late-Game Collapses, Fatigue, and Depth Leave Nuggets Clinging to Playoff Hopes

The collapse in Game 5 echoed a similar fourth-quarter meltdown in Game 4, when Denver also lost a late lead. Had they closed either game, the Nuggets could have been in control of the series. Instead, they’re now on the brink of elimination.

The cumulative fatigue from a grueling seven-game series against the Clippers and a tight every-other-day schedule has left Denver worn down. Fortunately, a two-day break between Games 6 and 7 offers a glimmer of hope, if they can survive Thursday’s elimination test at Ball Arena.

While Denver has effectively neutralized Thunder stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City’s depth has made the difference. Lu Dort’s clutch shooting in Game 5 mirrored previous timely contributions from role players like Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace.

Meanwhile, Denver’s supporting cast has faltered, placing more burden on Jokić and Murray. Though Jokić’s brilliance continues to shine, he can’t do it alone. As he said postgame, “We have a chance in Game 6. We will show up and we will play our best.” For the Nuggets, that effort must include rediscovering their energy and composure before it’s too late.