Following a hard-fought Game 5 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray shared their thoughts on the intense showdown, particularly focusing on their matchup against Clippers guard Kris Dunn, who was a standout performer on both ends of the court.
Dunn, known for his tenacious defense and hustle, was tasked with guarding both Jokic and Murray during key moments of the game. The 6-foot-3 guard’s aggressive style of play created challenges for the Nuggets’ dynamic duo, but they both remained focused and responded with pivotal performances to help seal the win.
Jokic, who recorded yet another near triple-double, reflected on Dunn’s defensive efforts: “Kris played really well. He’s an aggressive defender and made it tough on me in the post. But that’s what makes playoff basketball so special — you face challenges, and it’s about adjusting. My teammates did a great job getting me open looks, and we stuck to our game plan.”
Murray, who led the Nuggets in scoring, also commented on Dunn’s defensive presence: “Kris is one of those guys who doesn’t back down. He was all over me, trying to make every shot a challenge. But we stayed composed, trusted each other, and got the win. That’s what matters.”
Dunn’s relentless defense was especially noticeable in the second half, where he made several key stops on both Jokic and Murray, forcing turnovers and challenging shots. However, the Nuggets’ star duo responded when it mattered most, with Jokic hitting crucial assists and Murray sinking timely shots to maintain the lead.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone praised his team’s resilience, acknowledging Dunn’s efforts but highlighting the ability of his players to step up in the clutch. “Kris Dunn is a fantastic defender, but we’ve got some pretty special players ourselves. Nikola and Jamal found ways to get it done, and that’s why we’re in the position we’re in,” Malone said.
With the Nuggets now leading the series, both Jokic and Murray are focused on maintaining their momentum heading into Game 6, while acknowledging the challenge posed by Dunn and the Clippers’ defense.
“We know they’ll come at us even harder next game,” Murray added. “But we’re ready for it. We’ve been through the grind, and we’re not backing down.”
The stage is set for a high-stakes Game 6, where the Nuggets will look to close out the series and advance further in the playoffs, while Dunn and the Clippers will be aiming to bounce back and force a decisive Game 7.
