The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves squared off in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series on Tuesday night.

With a commanding 112-97 victory, the Nuggets took a 3-2 series lead.

In 41 minutes of action, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic finished with an incredible 40 points, seven rebounds, thirteen assists, two steals, one block, and a shooting percentage of 15/22 from the field and 2/3 from three points.

Jokic spoke with the media following the game, and one of his remarks went viral on social media (via the NBA).

Reporter: “Nikola, Game 3, you had the dunk over Anthony Edwards. Tonight, you drove, kind of put it behind your head. Where is that coming from? Is that a product at all of Minnesota’s rim protection? Do you feel like you need to finish with more authority when you have the chance?”

Jokic: “I mean I had an open lane. I’m a freak of nature, and why not show my athleticism?”

After completing with averages of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, 9.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 58.3% from the field and 35.9% from three-point range in 79 games, Jokic won his third MVP Award this season.

With a 57-25 record, the Nuggets are the second seed in the Western Conference.

In five games, they defeated LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in the opening round.

The Timberwolves and I will play Game 6 of our series on Thursday night at the Target Center in Minnesota.

The winner of the series will play either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals.