Fri May 02 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Nuggets Crush Clippers, Stand One Win Away From Second Round
**Denver, CO** – Jamal Murray exploded for 43 points, leading the Denver Nuggets to a commanding 131-115 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series. The win puts Denver on the brink of advancing to the second round, needing just one more victory to eliminate the Clippers and set up a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Murray’s performance, his best scoring output outside of the pandemic’s Disney World bubble, included a scorching 17-of-26 shooting from the field and 8-of-14 from three-point range. His aggressive play was praised by both teammates and opponents. “When he’s aggressive, we’re a different team,” said Russell Westbrook, who added 21 points in his return from injury. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged Murray’s dominance, stating, “He made every shot — pull-up 3s, mid-range. He had a hell of a game.”
The Nuggets received significant contributions from other players as well. Aaron Gordon chipped in 23 points, Nikola Jokic recorded his 21st career playoff triple-double (13 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists), and Christian Braun added a double-double (11 points, 12 rebounds) while effectively defending James Harden. Harden, who scored just 11 points on 3-of-9 shooting, remained silent to reporters post-game for the second consecutive night.
Despite building a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Nuggets weathered a late Clippers surge, ultimately responding with an 11-0 run to secure the victory. Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 27 points, Kawhi Leonard added 20, and Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 18, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Murray’s exceptional performance.
Game 6 will take place Thursday night at the Intuit Dome. A Nuggets win would send them to the second round to face the top-seeded Thunder, who swept the Memphis Grizzlies in their first-round series.
First Piper 