Nikola Jokic made history on Christmas Day with a remarkable performance that included 56 points, 15 assists, and 16 rebounds, leading the Denver Nuggets to a thrilling 142-138 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He became the first player in NBA history to score 55 or more points while also recording 15 or more rebounds and assists in a single game. This landmark achievement showcases Jokic’s incredible versatility and skill on the court, solidifying his place among the greatest players in basketball history.
In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Jokic not only excelled in regulation time but also stepped up in overtime, scoring an astonishing 18 points. This effort broke the previous record held by Stephen Curry, who had scored 17 points in overtime during a game in 2016. The Nuggets needed every bit of Jokic’s brilliance, especially since they were without three of their starters due to injuries.
Despite being shorthanded—missing key players like Cameron Johnson, who was sidelined after injuring his knee—Denver displayed great resilience. Jamal Murray also contributed significantly to the victory, scoring 35 points and acting as a crucial support to Jokic. The tandem demonstrated exceptional chemistry on the court, able to find each other and create opportunities even under pressure.
On the other side, Anthony Edwards shone for the Timberwolves, scoring an impressive 44 points. His final moments in regulation were nothing short of dramatic; he managed to hit a twisting three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds left, tying the game at 115-115. However, frustration got the better of him in overtime, where his two technical fouls led to his ejection, depriving Minnesota of their leading scorer during a critical phase of the game.
The Nuggets faced significant challenges throughout the match. After building up a 15-point lead, they allowed the Timberwolves to claw their way back, falling behind 124-115 before mounting a stunning comeback with an 11-2 run that allowed them to tie the game at 126-126. Jokic’s performance in overtime was pivotal; he was flawless, hitting all three of his shots, including two three-pointers, and maintaining a stellar 10-for-11 from the free-throw line.
As the Nuggets continue navigating through injury challenges with hopes of maintaining their position in the playoff race, Jokic’s ability to perform under pressure will be crucial. With this victory, Denver improved to a perfect 3-0 this season against Minnesota, showcasing their dominance even when facing adversity. Moreover, Jokic recorded his 179th career triple-double during the game, inching closer to Oscar Robertson’s record for the second-most in NBA history, a milestone that further highlights his exceptional talent and importance to the franchise.
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