Game 5 is more than just a swing game. It’s a defining moment in the Western Conference Semifinals. After four intense battles, the series sits tied at 2-2, and both squads are hungry to take control. For the Denver Nuggets, every possession now feels like it could tip the scales. Every substitution says something. The Thunder, on the other hand, have found ways to poke holes in the defending champs’ game plan, and suddenly, Nikola Jokic looks… well, human.

And you can’t ignore the fatigue. Game 3 went to overtime and drained both teams, and then, boom; just 36 hours later, Denver was back on the floor for a Sunday matinee. No surprise that they stumbled out of the gate, managing just eight points in the first quarter. That was their lowest-scoring quarter of the entire postseason. They did battle back, but OKC’s energy and depth were just too much in the end. As the intensity cranks up and the benches shorten, it all comes down to one thing for Denver; whether their stars are healthy, locked in, and ready to rise. But are they?

Yes, Nuggets fans can breathe easy. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are both good to go for tonight’s massive Game 5 showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder. ESPN’s latest injury report confirmed their availability. The Nuggets’ official list has just two names- Hunter Tyson (ankle) and DaRon Holmes II (Achilles); and both are already ruled out. That’s a big relief for a fanbase that’s been sweating over their superstars looking a step slow lately.

Jokic has been the heart of this team all season, putting up MVP-caliber numbers with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. But let’s be real, he hasn’t looked like himself the past few games. That sweet 57.6% shooting clip from the regular season? It’s crashed to just 33% over his last three playoff games. That’s not a slump. That’s a concern. And while he’s not making excuses; no blaming the schedule or the bruises piling up; the dip in form is loud and clear.

Murray, meanwhile, is averaging 21.4 points and 6 assists. He’s had flashes, but the fire hasn’t always been there. Denver doesn’t just need these two on the court tonight. They need them at their best.

So what’s the outlook for Game 5? The Nuggets need their trademark two-man game firing again. OKC has done a fantastic job disrupting it. They’ve jammed passing lanes, forced Jokic into tough iso plays, and dared others to beat them. That means Murray has to step up as a playmaker and bring back the cold-blooded playoff version of himself that fans know and love. With the series tied and the Thunder playing at home, this isn’t just a tactical battle anymore. It’s a test of heart and hunger. And speaking of tests… it’s time to talk about the big issue hanging over Denver right now. What’s really going on with Jokic’s form? Let’s dig into it.

The Joker’s off script: Breaking down Nikola Jokic’s playoff slump

Nikola Jokic hasn’t quite looked like the three-time MVP we’ve grown accustomed to. After a rough Game 4 loss, he spoke candidly about his struggles, saying, “I mean, it’s a little bit of everything. They’re playing really good defense on me, they’re really—into my body, handsy, physical… I think I missed like two, three open looks tonight, so it’s a little bit of everything.” The Thunder have turned up the physicality and made life tough for the Serbian big man. Despite averaging 26.5 points, 14.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in the series, it’s the efficiency drop that’s raised eyebrows.

Peeling back the layers, his slump becomes more obvious. He was sensational in Game 1 with 42 points on 51.7% shooting. But in the three games since? A measly 21-of-63 from the field and just 4-of-22 from three-point range. That includes an abysmal 0-of-10 showing from deep in Game 3. For someone shooting 57.6% during the regular season, this kind of drought is uncharacteristic and costly. Denver’s Game 3 win came courtesy of Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr., but when MPJ could only muster three points in Game 4, it became clear: this team lives and dies by Jokic’s impact.

If the Joker doesn’t bounce back, the Nuggets need their supporting cast to be flawless. That’s easier said than done, especially with OKC’s athletic, disruptive defense hounding every possession. But with all eyes now on Game 5, Denver can’t afford another off night from their centerpiece.