Nikola Jokic, inspired by the Michael Jordan Trophy, scored 40 points and more for the Denver Nuggets. From being named the most valuable player of the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season by Commissioner Adam Silver before tipoff to orchestrating a 112-97 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena on Tuesday.

The reigning champions took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series of the 2024 NBA Playoffs Presented by Google Pixel Western Conference Semifinals, being the first team to win at home. The Joker tallied 40 points on 15/22 field goals, including two three-pointers. Over 41 minutes, his 13 assists combined for a double-double, along with seven rebounds, two steals, one block, and zero turnovers.

“I know they are just goofballs,” Jokic recounted his teammates having fun on the bench, faking to swoon after successive buckets during a dominant performance through the second half of Game 5. “We had a good run and they should do that.”

French Rudy Gobert, who was struggling to handle the Serbian superstar, finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks in 40 minutes. Naturalized Bosnian teammate Luka Garza remained on the bench.

Slovenian Vlatko Cancar (left knee surgery) is out for the rest of the season, according to the Nuggets’ injury report.