Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic savagely trolls Timberwolves after end of Game 5 blowout

There is no love lost between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, and the end of the last two games in their first-round playoff series proves it.

Game 4 concluded with Nikola Jokic taking offense to a garbage-time layup by Jaden McDaniels and being ejected after nearly inciting a brawl. And Game 5, while not nearly as explosive, had a notable ending as well.

In the closing moments of the Nuggets’ 125-113 win, Jokic appeared to be handing the ball to Minnesota’s Joan Beringer before the shot clock was set to expire. However, when Beringer grabbed the ball, Jokic suddenly began yanking backward. The two players briefly wrestled for the ball until a referee called for a jump ball.

The tactic drew polarizing reactions from fans, with some praising and lauding Jokic for ‘trolling’ the Timberwolves, while others criticized him for the tacky maneuver.

Nikola Jokic in the final seconds before tonight's win in Game 5 pic.twitter.com/IWyfRm9LTg

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 28, 2026

Either way, it has become abundantly clear that the Wolves and Nuggets, but particularly Jokic, simply do not like each other.

Before the series, Anthony Edwards said that he believed Denver-Minnesota was a rivalry, owing to a large number of postseason games over the past few years. And the series has played out like it is one.

After dropping Game 1 in Denver, the Timberwolves tied the series in Game 2 with a 19-point comeback win, and then they took a commanding 3-1 lead with back-to-back, double-digit home wins. With Monday’s loss, the Wolves will head back to Minneapolis with a chance to close the series out in front of their home fans.

Game 6 is set for Thursday. If the Nuggets win, the series will return to Denver for Game 7 on Saturday.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic savagely trolls Timberwolves after end of Game 5 blowout appeared first on ClutchPoints.