Denver — Nikola Jokic put on a spectacular performance Thursday night, scoring 56 points with a triple-double and setting an NBA record by scoring 18 points in overtime. His efforts powered the Denver Nuggets to a 142-138 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jokic surpassed Stephen Curry’s previous record of 17 overtime points set in 2016, marking the highest overtime scoring total in both regular season and playoff history. Alongside his 56 points, Jokic pulled down 16 rebounds and handed out 15 assists. Jamal Murray also contributed 35 points, helping the Nuggets secure their third victory this season against the Timberwolves. Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards scored a game-high 44 points but was ejected after picking up two technical fouls during overtime.
The Nuggets achieved this impressive win despite missing three key players, including Cameron Johnson, who was sidelined with a right knee injury sustained against Dallas on Tuesday. Edwards showcased his talent on the big stage by rallying Minnesota from a 15-point deficit late in the fourth quarter and sinking a twisting 3-pointer just before regulation ended to tie the game at 115.
In overtime, Edwards kicked off with seven points during a 9-0 Wolves run before his ejection. Jokic was nearly perfect from the floor in overtime, making all three shot attempts and converting 10 out of 11 free throws, including two three-pointers.
After trailing by 15 points in the fourth quarter (124-115), the Nuggets mounted an 11-2 run to tie the game at 126. Missing starters Johnson (knee), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), and Christian Braun (ankle), Denver leaned on Tim Hardaway Jr., who started in Johnson’s place and scored 19 points.
By the third quarter, Jokic notched his 179th career triple-double, placing him second in NBA history behind Oscar Robertson by just two.
Upcoming games: The Timberwolves face the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, while the Nuggets travel to Orlando.
Fan Take: Jokic’s extraordinary performance not only highlights his dominance as one of the NBA’s best all-around players but also emphasizes the rising excitement and competitiveness in the league’s overtime moments. For basketball fans, games like this underscore the thrill of clutch performances and show how one player’s brilliance can change the fate of a matchup, pushing the sport to new heights.
