Thunder Take 3-2 Western Semifinal Lead Over Nuggets After Game 5

In Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 112-105 to take a 3-2 series lead, setting up a potential series clincher in Denver. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, overcoming a slow start to help six players score in double figures, while Oklahoma City's defense stifled Denver down the stretch. Despite Nikola Jokić's historic 44-point, 15-rebound, and 5-assist performance, the Nuggets' supporting cast struggled significantly, shooting poorly and missing crucial opportunities in the final quarter. Interim coach David Adelman took responsibility for playing Jokić the entire second half, noting the team ran out of energy and missed shots that allowed the Thunder to rally. Jamal Murray contributed 28 points but was inefficient with 10 of 27 shooting and late turnovers, compounding Denver's difficulties. The Nuggets face a must-win Game 6 to stay alive in the series, with Adelman emphasizing the need for better support from other players alongside Jokić's elite efforts.