BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
Nikola Jokic produced one of the most remarkable performances in NBA history Thursday night, pouring in 56 points and recording a triple-double while setting a new league record for scoring in overtime as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 142-138 in a dramatic extra-period finish.
Jokic finished with 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists, becoming the first player to score 18 points in an overtime period. That total surpassed the previous mark of 17 set by Stephen Curry in 2016 and now stands as the most ever scored in overtime during either the regular season or the playoffs.
The reigning Finals MVP took complete control in the extra session, going a perfect 3-for-3 from the field, including two clutch three-pointers, while converting 10 of 11 free throws. His command of the game proved decisive after Denver nearly let the contest slip away late in regulation.
Jamal Murray provided critical support with 35 points as the Nuggets improved to 3-0 against Minnesota this season, despite being shorthanded. Denver was without three starters, including Cameron Johnson, who hyperextended his right knee earlier in the week in Dallas. Aaron Gordon missed the game with a hamstring injury and Christian Braun remained sidelined with an ankle issue.
Minnesota was led by Anthony Edwards, who scored 44 points in a performance that nearly stole the game. Edwards sparked a furious comeback after the Timberwolves trailed by 15 points with just over five minutes remaining in regulation. He capped the rally with a difficult, twisting three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left, tying the game at 115 and sending it to overtime.
Edwards carried that momentum into the extra period, scoring seven quick points as Minnesota opened overtime on a 9-0 run. But as Denver responded behind Jokic’s brilliance, Edwards became frustrated with officiating decisions and was assessed two technical fouls, resulting in his ejection and shifting the balance of the game.
Denver regrouped after falling behind 124-115 in overtime, closing the gap with an 11-2 run to pull even at 126 before Jokic took over completely. His composure at the foul line and ability to create offense against multiple defenders sealed the win.
With Johnson sidelined, Tim Hardaway Jr. stepped into the starting lineup and contributed 19 points, helping Denver stay afloat during stretches when Minnesota threatened to pull away.
By the third quarter, Jokic had already secured his 179th career triple-double, leaving him just two shy of Oscar Robertson for second place on the NBA’s all-time list, further cementing his place among the game’s all-time greats.
Before the game, Edwards had confidently predicted a big night, telling ESPN he expected at least 30 points and possibly 40. He delivered on that promise, but the evening ultimately belonged to Jokic, whose historic performance turned a wild Christmas-week showdown into a signature moment of the season.
Minnesota will look to rebound when it hosts the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, while Denver continues its road trip with a matchup in Orlando later that night.
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