Historic Night: Jokic Sets NBA Record in 61-Point Haul

The Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic showcased an extraordinary performance by hitting a career-high 61 points, making history as he recorded the highest-scoring triple-double in NBA history. This remarkable feat was accomplished during a nail-biting matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where the Nuggets ultimately fell short with a final score of 140-139 in overtime at Ball Arena.

Jokic, who has already cemented his legacy as a three-time MVP, not only displayed his scoring prowess but also contributed significantly in other areas of the game. He tallied 10 rebounds and 10 assists, showcasing his all-around skills and ability to impact the game beyond just scoring. Despite his historic performance, the team faced a heartbreaking defeat.

In this game, the previous record holder for the highest-scoring triple-double, Jokic’s teammate Russell Westbrook, also made headlines. Westbrook, who had scored 57 points along with 13 rebounds and 11 assists for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017, joined the Nuggets in 2024, further bolstering the team’s talent. However, the game took a tense turn when Westbrook missed a crucial layup with just 10 seconds left in overtime while the Nuggets were leading 139-138.

In a desperate attempt to alter the outcome, Westbrook fouled Nickeil Alexander-Walker while trying to block a three-point attempt, resulting in a critical moment with only 0.1 seconds remaining on the clock. Alexander-Walker stepped up to the line, coolly making two out of three free throws, thus sealing a dramatic victory for the Timberwolves.

It’s worth noting that the Timberwolves were able to claim this victory without key players, Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo, who were serving one-match bans due to their involvement in a recent brawl with the Detroit Pistons. Their resilience in the face of adversity allowed them to maintain their position as seventh in the Western Conference, while the Nuggets currently sit in third place, adding more intrigue to the competitive landscape of the league.