How the Nuggets Sealed Game 5 by Taking the Ball Out of Nikola Jokić’s Hands in Crunch Time

In a bold yet tactical twist during the closing moments of Game 5, the Denver Nuggets made a surprising decision: they took the ball out of Nikola Jokić’s hands during crunch time. While it may seem counterintuitive to sideline your MVP in pivotal possessions, this move proved instrumental in securing the win and pushing the Nuggets one step closer to the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

The Unconventional Late-Game Strategy

Throughout the postseason, Nikola Jokić has been the unquestioned engine of Denver’s offense. From orchestrating plays to hitting clutch shots, his fingerprints are typically on every major possession. But in Game 5, head coach Michael Malone opted for a high-risk, high-reward strategy: using Jokić as a decoy rather than the focal point.

The decision allowed players like Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon to step up and exploit defensive mismatches. By shifting the offensive load, the Nuggets caught their opponent off guard and created space for others to shine.

Jokić’s gravity as a threat opened lanes, drew double teams off-ball, and disrupted the opposing defense’s rhythm. The result? A series of crucial baskets and assists that ultimately sealed the win.

Why Taking the Ball Out of Jokić’s Hands Worked

One of the primary reasons this gamble paid off was the defense’s overreliance on Jokić-centric coverage. Opponents keyed in on stopping him in isolation, often sending double or even triple teams. By using him as a screen-setter or spot-up threat, the Nuggets manipulated the defense into overcommitting, freeing up other options.

Jamal Murray benefited significantly. With the ball in his hands during key possessions, Murray orchestrated the offense with precision, delivering clutch buckets and critical assists. His chemistry with Jokić allowed seamless pick-and-roll sequences even when Jokić wasn’t the primary ball-handler.

Additionally, Michael Porter Jr. knocked down timely three-pointers, while Aaron Gordon took advantage of smaller defenders in the paint. The diversity in attack made the Nuggets unpredictable and balanced, something that even elite defenses struggle to contain.

The Psychological Edge: Trusting the Team

Another key element in this tactical adjustment was the psychological impact. By taking the ball out of his own hands, Jokić demonstrated ultimate trust in his teammates. This trust elevated the entire squad, fostering confidence and encouraging assertiveness in critical moments.

The move sent a clear message: the Nuggets are more than just Jokić. That belief resonated through the locker room and visibly impacted how players approached the final minutes. Rather than watching Jokić create magic, they became active contributors, fighting for rebounds, setting screens, and making clutch decisions.

In a league often defined by superstar heroics, this team-oriented mindset gave the Nuggets a unique psychological advantage. The opposition was forced to respect every player on the floor, creating an offensive equilibrium that disrupted their defensive game plan.

Coach Malone’s Tactical Brilliance

Head coach Michael Malone deserves immense credit for recognizing the opportunity to switch things up. It’s not easy to divert from a proven formula, especially in high-stakes playoff games. But Malone’s situational awareness and in-game adjustments exemplified elite coaching.

He knew the defense had loaded up on Jokić all series. By flipping the script, Malone exploited that defensive attention to manufacture open looks and keep the offense flowing. His timely timeouts and smart substitutions also ensured the right personnel were on the floor for each possession.

The ability to pivot in the moment—and to empower players like Murray and Porter Jr. to take over—proved to be a winning formula. It showed that Malone trusts his depth and isn’t afraid to make unconventional choices to get the job done.

Jokić’s Impact Off the Ball

Even without the ball in his hands, Nikola Jokić remained one of the most impactful players on the court. His off-ball movement, understanding of spacing, and screen-setting were vital components of the Nuggets’ late-game execution.

Jokić routinely drew defenders into uncomfortable positions, allowing cutting lanes for teammates and opening up shooters on the perimeter. His presence alone forced defenses to collapse, often leaving someone wide open. This gravity effect made every off-ball decision he made strategically valuable.

In one crucial possession, Jokić set a high screen and then slipped to the corner, dragging two defenders with him. This allowed Murray to attack the rim with minimal resistance—a key basket that shifted the momentum back to Denver.

Crunch Time Execution and Poise

Game 5 was a showcase of mental toughness and execution under pressure. The Nuggets didn’t rely solely on talent; they leaned on preparation, chemistry, and trust. The willingness to deviate from their standard script showed a level of maturity and strategic growth.

In the final two minutes, Denver executed backdoor cuts, precision passes, and timely defensive rotations. It was a team win in every sense, with contributions from starters and bench players alike.

The Nuggets also committed fewer turnovers, a stat that often decides close playoff games. Their decision-making was crisp, and their calm demeanor under duress reflected a team that knows what it takes to win in the postseason.

Media and Fan Reaction

The strategy sparked plenty of discussion in post-game analysis. Some pundits initially questioned the move, but the outcome silenced doubters. Analysts praised Jokić’s unselfishness, Malone’s tactical courage, and the team’s ability to execute.

Fans on social media celebrated the win as a turning point, with many highlighting how the Nuggets showcased depth and versatility beyond their superstar. Memes and highlight reels of Jokić screen assists and Murray’s clutch baskets flooded Twitter and Instagram.

What It Means for the Next Round

The ability to win critical games without over-relying on Jokić bodes well for Denver’s postseason future. Opponents now must prepare for a multi-dimensional attack, making it harder to game-plan against them.

As they gear up to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, this newfound flexibility could be the key difference. With SGA and Chet Holmgren ready to bring their A-game, Denver’s diverse offensive strategy may help counter OKC’s youth and speed.

Conclusion: A Masterstroke of Trust and Tactics

In a league where stars are often expected to dominate every possession, the Denver Nuggets dared to be different. By taking the ball out of Nikola Jokić’s hands in crunch time, they redefined what it means to win as a team.

The decision was more than just a tactical adjustment—it was a statement. One that said the Nuggets trust their depth, believe in their system, and aren’t afraid to embrace the unconventional. As they look ahead to tougher matchups, this victory stands as a testament to strategic courage and collective belief.

With Jokić off the ball and his teammates stepping into the spotlight, Denver proved that championships are built not just on superstars, but on unity, trust, and the willingness to evolve.