After heavily struggling in Games 1 through 4, Nikola Jokic delivered a breakout performance in Game 5, despite the loss to the Thunder.

The Denver Nuggets' three-time MVP center entered the game with a poor shooting record of 15-of-47 (31.9 percent) from the field in his prior two games. However, he quickly turned things around in Game 5.

Jokic started strong, scoring nine points on 4-of-5 shooting in the first quarter, surpassing his team's eight-point total from Game 4.

Although Jokic performed exceptionally, starting fast and finishing strong, the Nuggets couldn't maintain their lead. The Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31 points, seven assists, six rebounds), mounted a comeback from an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter, winning 112-105.

Nikola Jokic's Game 5 Stats vs. Thunder

Following his first-quarter performance, Jokic added 10 more points in the second quarter, leading to a 25-point second half.

He ended with 44 points on 68.0 percent field goal shooting, including 5-of-7 from three-point range, and was perfect from the free-throw line on five attempts.

Full stat line:

44 points

17-25 (68.0 percent) FG

5-7 (71.4 percent) 3FG

5-5 (100.0 percent) FTs

15 rebounds

5 assists

2 steals

2 turnovers

In his previous two games, Jokic had only made 15 shots, but in Game 5, he connected on 17 field goals alone.

Defensively, he was formidable with two steals and a key drawn charge in the second half. Sadly, this outstanding effort resulted in a disappointing loss for the Nuggets.