76ers, Nuggets move within one win of conference finals

Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets to a win in Game 5

 

In the Western Conference semifinal series, the Denver Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns with a score of 118-102 in Game 5. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, securing his 10th career playoff triple-double and breaking a tie with Wilt Chamberlain for the most by a center in NBA history. Bruce Brown scored 25 points, one point shy of his playoff career high, while Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray added 19 apiece. Devin Booker scored 28 points for the Suns, but missed 11 of 19 shots.

The Nuggets can advance to the Western Conference finals if they win Game 6 at Phoenix on Thursday.

In the Eastern Conference semifinal series, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 115-103 in Game 5, taking a 3-2 lead in the series. Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 32 points, while Tyrese Maxey added 30 points and six 3-pointers. James Harden contributed 17 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, Tobias Harris had 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Danuel House Jr. added 10 points and five rebounds. Jayson Tatum scored 36 points for the Celtics but missed all five of his first-quarter attempts and made 11 of 27 from the field.

The 76ers can advance to the Eastern Conference finals with a win at home in Game 6 on Thursday.