Jamal Murray was on fire.
Murray notched his sixth 40-plus point NBA playoff game, a Nuggets record, with 43 points as Denver went wire-to-wire with a 131-115 victory at home Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Nuggets have taken a 3-2 lead in their NBA playoff series. According to TNT, the team that wins Game 5 of a best-of-seven series after being tied at 2 has gone on to win the series 81% of the time (191-44).
Murray added seven assists. Nikola Jokic had 13 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for his third triple-double of the series and his 21st career playoff triple-double. His first two triple-doubles in the series came in losses.
The Clippers made an attempt to rally with a 17-4 scoring run in the fourth quarter that closed the gap and made it a nine-point game.
The Nuggets bounced back with an 11-0 run shortly after that, putting the game out of reach.
Coach Tyronn Lue emptied the bench in the final three minutes of the game.
Ivica Zubac finished with 27 points while Kawhi Leonard added 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers.
Catch up on all the highlights from Game 5:
Game 5 final score
Denver Nuggets 131, LA Clippers 115
Game 5 highlights
3Q: Nuggets 99, Clippers 83
The Nuggets remain in full control of the game after leading by as many as 17 points. The Clippers have not held the lead at any point.
The Clippers did produce a 7-0 scoring run during the third but still trail 99-83 entering the fourth quarter.
Bogdan Bogdanović and Russell Westbrook were called for technical fouls during the quarter after Bogdanović left his spot at the free throw line to confront Westbrook.
Westbrook and Christian Braun each hit a 3-pointer at the end of the quarter to bolster the lead.
Jamal Murray has a game-high 30 points while Westbrook has 19. Nikola Jokic has 13 points and 12 assists.
Bogdanović, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac each had 15 points for the Clippers. James Harden has been limited to nine points and six rebounds in 28 minutes of play.
Halftime: Nuggets 67, Clippers 59
The Nuggets carry a 67-59 lead into the locker room at halftime against the Clippers.
Jamal Murray had a game-high 19 points for the Nuggets in the first half. Nikola Jokic nearly produced a double-double, contributing 11 points and eight assists.
Ivica Zubac had a team-high 13 points for the Clippers.
1Q: Nuggets 35, Clippers 23
The Nuggets built up a 35-23 lead in the first quarter against the Clippers. Denver led by as many as 12 points in the opening period.
Jamal Murray scored 10 of the Nuggets’ 35. Aaron Gordon added eight points. Nikola Jokic was limited to five points but recorded six assists.
James Harden led the Clippers with a team-high six points.
Christian Braun stats
Braun averaged career-highs in points (15.4), field-goal percentage (58.0%), rebounds (5.2) and assists (2.6) in 79 games this season. Through four playoff games vs. the Clippers, Braun is averaging 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
Russell Westbrook making impact for Nuggets
Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook is back in the rotation and made an impact in Game 5. He scored 16 points in 13 minutes of play during the first half.
He did not play in Game 4 after he was initially a game-time decision. Westbrook was a limited participant in Game 3 on Thursday after being injured during pregame warm-ups. The former Clipper scored three points, and had a rebound and an assist in nine minutes of play. He shot 1-for-5 from the field (all attempts from the 3-point line).
Nuggets starting lineup vs. Clippers
Michael Porter Jr.
Aaron Gordon
Nikola Jokić
Christian Braun
Jamal Murray
Clippers starting lineup vs. Nuggets
Norman Powell
Kawhi Leonard
Ivica Zubac
Kris Dunn
James Harden
What does 5280 mean for Denver Nuggets?
The Denver Nuggets are donning white jerseys that read, “5280” in Game 5. The series of numbers is also printed on the court at Ball Arena in Denver, but what exactly does it mean? “5280” is a nod to Denver’s nickname: the Mile-High City. Denver is famously known for its high elevation, extending one mile above sea level. One mile equates to 5,280 feet, hence the “5280” logo.
What time is Clippers vs. Nuggets?
The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets will tip off at 10 p.m. ET, which is 8 p.m. in Denver.
How to watch Clippers vs. Nuggets Game 5: TV, stream
Stream: Sling TV, YouTube TV
Time: 10 p.m. ET
Location: Ball Arena; Denver, Colorado
TV: TNT