When the Nuggets lose like this, they marvel at Nikola Jokic, explain they are frustrated and then nothing changes.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied from a double-digit deficit in the second half to beat the Denver Nuggets 112-105 and go up 3-2 in their Western Conference semifinal series.

Oklahoma City shows poise in crunch time, Lu Dort delivers at both ends and the Thunder move closer a step closer to the West Finals.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Michael Porter Jr. is shouldering the blame for the Nuggets’ 3-2 series deficit, even if he physically can’t. Without mention of his left shoulder injury, Porter said he was at fault for Denver’s Game 5 loss to the Thunder in brief comments made to The Denver Post late Tuesday night.

Though Nuggets star Nikola Jokic led the way with 44 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists, it was another struggling starter who got the most attention after the game. Michael Porter Jr. scored just 2 points on 1-for-7 shooting, missing all five of his attempts from behind the 3-point arc.