Nikola Jokic's sublime performance, scoring 40 points and dishing out 13 assists without a single turnover, has been pivotal in the Denver Nuggets' resurgence in their best-of-seven series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jokic, however, isn't the only reason Denver has bounced back from a 0-2 deficit to take the series lead.

Jokic's Masterclass and Denver's Depth

While Jokic was toying with the Timberwolves in Denver's Game 5 win on Tuesday night, his teammates were making significant contributions—just as they did in the crucial wins in Minneapolis during Games 3 and 4. Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were standout performers, stepping up when it mattered most.

Key Contributions from Gordon, Braun, and Caldwell-Pope

Denver's dynamic duo of Jokic and Jamal Murray, along with the scoring prowess of Michael Porter Jr., are well-known. However, when Gordon, Braun, and Caldwell-Pope are firing on all cylinders, the Nuggets appear nearly unbeatable. This depth has been crucial, as evidenced by Denver's remarkable offensive ratings in the last three games—posting 126 points per 100 possessions in Game 3, 123 in Game 4, and 122 in Game 5.

Timberwolves' Struggles and Key Absences

The Timberwolves have relied on consistent performances from Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Mike Conley throughout the season. However, with Conley sidelined due to a sore Achilles on Tuesday night, Denver was able to neutralize Edwards, who managed just five of 15 shots. The lack of production from Minnesota's role players, which hurt them in Games 3 and 4, continued to haunt them in Game 5.

Must-Win Game 6 for Minnesota

Nickeil Alexander-Walker showed improvement in Game 5 after struggling in the previous games, but Kyle Anderson has had a dismal series, and Naz Reid has been inconsistent. Reid, who totaled 30 points and hit six 3-pointers in the first two games, along with Alexander-Walker's 19 points and five triples in Games 1 and 2, have been unable to maintain their form.

As the Timberwolves face a must-win Game 6 on Thursday at Target Center, Edwards must elevate his game, especially if Conley can return from his Achilles strain. Nevertheless, it might all be in vain if Denver's depth continues to overpower Minnesota's.

"The champs have shown up in a big way. Can Minnesota match them and force a Game 7?"

Editor: Vitalina Patskan