Denver Nuggets are on the brink of elimination. Minnesota Timberwolves lead 3-1 in the series - and in the Balkans they know that is close to a death sentence in the playoffs. But "close" is the key word when Nikola Jokić is on the team. The Serbian center who has won the MVP title three times has come back from these situations before - in 2019/2020, Denver overcame two consecutive 3-1 deficits.

In Game 4, Jokić recorded 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists - statistics most players would be satisfied with. The problem: in the fourth quarter he missed six consecutive shots and finished 8-of-22 from the field. This season he has looked less dominant than in previous years - or Minnesota simply has a good game plan for him.

Bookmakers favor Denver: 1.22 versus 5.1 for Minnesota. Game 5 is April 30 in Denver - in front of the home crowd. History says Denver can do it. The format says they must win three straight. Jokić says - with his body, not words - that it is not over yet. Will that be enough?