In an exhilarating showdown that showcased the brilliance of Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 142-138 on Christmas Day, establishing a new NBA record with 27 points scored in overtime. Jokić, the Nuggets' star center, made headlines by netting 18 points in the overtime period alone, surpassing the previous record held by Steph Curry, who had scored 17 points in a single overtime back in 2016.
After the game, Jokić humbly remarked, "I mean, I had a good game," reflecting his characteristic modesty despite an astonishing performance that included 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists—marking his 179th career triple-double. This extraordinary achievement was pivotal for the Nuggets, who were missing three of their starting players from the season opener. They faced a fierce challenge from Anthony Edwards, who delivered an impressive 44-point game, including a last-second three-pointer that forced the match into overtime.
During the overtime, Edwards contributed 11 points, but his momentum came to a halt after he was ejected following two technical fouls, one of which was issued for disrupting Jokić's play. The Timberwolves initially surged ahead with a 9-0 run to take a 124-115 lead, leaving the home crowd at Ball Arena in disbelief. At this crucial juncture, Nuggets coach David Adelman called a timeout with 2:59 left on the clock, signaling a turning point in the game.
What followed was nothing short of spectacular. Jokić ignited a remarkable comeback, starting with a three-pointer that shifted the momentum. Alongside Jamal Murray, who scored 35 points, Jokić orchestrated a series of plays that led to an unprecedented scoring spree. Their combined efforts resulted in the Nuggets breaking the record for the most points in a five-minute overtime period.
Jokić’s efficiency was remarkable, shooting 15 out of 21 attempts, including 4 of 6 from three-point range, and successfully converting 22 of his 23 free throws—demonstrating his superior skill and composure under pressure. Coach Adelman praised his performance, stating, "The best player in the world... what he does nightly is essential for the game of basketball."
Murray, recognizing Jokić's impact on the game, noted that the defense’s focus on Jokić allowed him to take his chances, leading to his highest-ever attempt of 18 three-pointers in a single game. He said, "I just told the bench I was going to shoot a pull-up because of the way they were guarding Jokic."
Despite the ups and downs, including nearly squandering a significant lead late in regulation, the Nuggets rallied with a stunning 27-14 run in the final moments of overtime. Adelman expressed pride in his team's resilience, saying, "They’re going to show this game 20 years from now, and I’ll crack open a beer and watch it." This thrilling matchup between two elite teams showcased not only individual brilliance but also an unforgettable display of teamwork and determination.
