Nuggets Take 3-2 Series Lead Over Clippers

Jamal Murray scored 43 points on 17-of-26 shooting, including eight three-pointers, to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 131-115 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5, giving Denver a 3-2 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series. Aaron Gordon contributed a strong 23 points, and Nikola Jokic notched a triple-double with 13 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. Russell Westbrook returned from injury to score 21 points off the bench for the Clippers. Despite cutting a 22-point deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter, the Clippers could not overcome Denver's decisive 11-0 run. Ivica Zubac led Los Angeles with a playoff career-high 27 points, while both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden struggled. The series returns to Los Angeles for Game 6, where Denver can advance to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.