Nikola Jokic’s career-high 61 points in a thrilling game was overshadowed by the Timberwolves’ double overtime victory. Discover the game’s highlights.
Denver Nuggets’ standout player, Nikola Jokic, achieved a personal best by scoring an astounding 61 points in a thrilling match against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Despite his incredible performance, the Nuggets were edged out by the Timberwolves, who secured a 140-139 victory in a gripping double overtime.
Jokic, who was on the court for nearly 53 minutes, saw his efforts fall short when Nickeil Alexander-Walker sank two crucial free throws with just 0.1 seconds remaining, sealing the game for Minnesota. A last-second opportunity arose for Denver when Russell Westbrook intercepted an inbound pass, but his hurried lay-up attempt missed, keeping the Nuggets at bay. The decisive moment came when Westbrook fouled Alexander-Walker on a corner shot, setting the stage for Minnesota’s win.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 34 points and expressed his admiration for Jokic’s play. “That might’ve been the best game of my life that I’ve been a part of,” Edwards shared with reporters, as noted by the Star Tribune. “Nikola Jokic, bruh, oh my god, he might be the best basketball I’ve ever seen close up. Besides, myself to myself. Bro, he’s incredible. The MVP race is tough, man. I don’t know. He had 60. It’s crazy.”
Edwards’ contribution included going 12-of-25 from the field and making five 3-pointers, alongside his 10 rebounds and eight assists.
Despite the loss, Jokic’s performance was extraordinary. The three-time MVP and seven-time All-Star added 10 rebounds and 10 assists, marking his achievement as the third 60-point triple-double in NBA history, following Luka Doncic in 2022 and James Harden in 2018. “The guy’s Superman,” commented Nuggets coach Malone. “He’s on a whole other level, man. People say he’s not athletic, but not many guys can do what he does.”
Earlier this season, Jokic set another career-high with 56 points against the Washington Wizards on December 7. Reflecting on his latest performance, he simply stated he was “tired.”
With the playoffs approaching, the competition intensifies. The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured a playoff spot, boasting the NBA’s best record. However, the Western Conference remains highly competitive, with just six wins separating the No. 2 seed from the No. 8 seed.
The Timberwolves hold the seventh spot with a 44-32 record, tied with the Memphis Grizzlies, and are only a half-game behind the Golden State Warriors for the fifth seed and 2.5 games from the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth spot. The Nuggets currently hold the No. 3 seed, trailing the Houston Rockets by two games for the No. 2 position and leading the Lakers by 1.5 games. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers, sitting at No. 8, maintain a 43-32 record. The Nos. 7-10 seeds will compete in the play-in tournament.
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