Nuggets-Timberwolves: 5 takeaways as Nikola Jokic puts on show in Game 5 win.

This series was abruptly changed into a one-sided competition that was overturned, turned on its head, and dominated.

But in a moment, we’ll talk about what Nikola Jokic did to Rudy Gobert.

First off, a single game has the power to drastically alter the course of an NBA playoff series. How about a week from now?

Because over the course of seven disorienting days, the Nuggets and Wolves have switched places collectively in this Western Conference semifinal. After floundering, the Nuggets are now rolling.

The Wolves were behind 2-0, but the advancing champs have shown resilience, and now they are facing their last opportunity. The series is headed back to Minneapolis, but Denver is up 3-2, and the Nuggets seem to be winning.

Here are five things to remember from Tuesday’s 112-97 Game 5 win for the Nuggets:

1. Jokic dumps Gobert after accepting the MVP award.

On Tuesday, Jokic was crowned in more ways than one as he formally took the Kia MVP trophy from commissioner Adam Silver and then proved he deserved it for the third time in the previous four years.

The rudeness and timing of his takedown of Gobert that same night will live on in his memory.

To take control of the series, the Nuggets needed this from their versatile center, and it came against the recently awarded Kia Defensive Player of the Year.

We discovered that not every trophy is made equally. Even though Gobert is a skilled defensive player, he has never been able to stop Jokic, and in Game 5, nothing changed in that aspect.

Twenty of Jokic’s points came from an 8-for-9 performance against Gobert, which included bank shots, finger rolls, up-and-unders, hook shots, and outside jumpers. In an overall masterclass, he threw numerous fantastic throws, including full-length, pocket, and back-door options. At this rate, he might easily rank in the top 10 all-time.

Michael Malone, the coach of the Nuggets, praised Jokic’s understanding of the basket, saying, “He probably belongs to Mensa.” “It’s likely that he is unaware of what Mensa is.”

Jokic scored forty points, dished out thirteen assists, and committed no turnovers in his debut postseason game.

To Gobert’s credit, nobody has been able to quiet Jokic over the course of the previous five or so seasons, particularly when it counted.

The star of the Wolves, Anthony Edwards, stated, “I just laugh. That’s all I can do.” “I’m not allowed to get angry. Tonight, he was unique.

2. The offensive in Denver turns into the bully

Do you recall how the Wolves showed off their elite defensive ability and totally outwitted the Nuggets back in, say, the second game of this series? Guess who is suddenly the heavy now?

“That Game 2 was a fantastic reminder of who we really ought to return to being,” Malone said.

The Nuggets have now worked it out and are going back to their game plan, which includes ball movement, pick-and-rolls with Jokic and Jamal Murray, backdoor cuts by Aaron Gordon for dunks, and of course, several opportunities for Jokic to score.

The Nuggets shot over 50% from the field and 40% from 3-point range for the third consecutive game. That is a startling reversal of course vs Minnesota. Its defense had no compassion on the court the whole season, particularly in the first two games of this series and against the Phoenix Suns in the first round.

In Game 2, the Nuggets’ poise was shattered as they were limited to 80 points on 34.9% shooting, including 30% from deep. Murray then threw the heating pad on the ground. The Nuggets have since disregarded all of the Wolves’ traps, double teams, and rim protection.

Edwards said, “Everything is going their way.”

3. Edwards at last became modest

While it lasted, it was an outstanding and scoring run. Edwards was on a trampoline for a large portion of this spring, his fame growing with almost every game and his name being linked, if a little too soon, to some of the greats.

That will be kept quiet for the time being. When he did return to Earth, it was with his first mediocre, or even below-average, postseason performance. He had trouble, particularly in the first half when he committed three turnovers and missed seven of eight attempts.

Hey, it was inevitable. For the Wolves, who came into the game on the heels of their opponents and left on top, it was an unfortunate one.

Edwards has played in five previous postseason games with three 40-pieces. He had an intense 18 on Tuesday. He may have to wait until next season to make amends if he repeats his most recent performance on Thursday.

4. It was sad to see Mike Conley go.

The seasoned point guard for the Wolves was sidelined in the final seconds of Game 4 because of a strained Achilles. Conley won’t have the luxury of much recuperation between games since there will only be one off day, which is crucial for that kind of injury.

Thus, there’s a possibility he won’t play in Game 6. With the starting players in the rotation, the Wolves have enjoyed comparatively decent health up to this point, so it is a serious blow.

While Nickeil Alexander-Walker performed well in his 39 minutes on Tuesday, he is more useful when used as a substitute.

5. Notification Porter, Michael Jr.

For some reason, even without much help from their third 20-point shooter, the Nuggets have won three straight very comfortably. Porter shot only six points on Tuesday, missing eight of ten attempts. Following a modest four-point performance in Game 4, this is what happened.

It’s strange that Porter, who was so dominant against the Lakers in the first round (LeBron James acknowledged Porter’s role in the Lakers’ five-game loss), is now hardly mentioned.

This series and his night were summed up in one scene: Porter pulled up for a jumper and an airball as he attempted to break away of the defenders. His weaknesses are coming through, namely in his incapacity to produce off the dribble. Unlike the Lakers, the Wolves aren’t giving him space on catch-and-shoot opportunities.

Still, the Nuggets have the upper hand. Minnesota needs to win two games in a row. What are the chances that the Wolves would defeat the MVP twice in a single series?