Jokic Shatters Scoring Record with 61-Point Triple-Double Despite Heartbreaking Double-OT Defeat

An exhilarating game extended into the second overtime, culminating in a stunning final sequence that allowed the Minnesota Timberwolves to narrowly defeat the Denver Nuggets 140-139 at Ball Arena.

Nikola Jokic set a personal best with 61 points, including a free throw that granted his team a one-point advantage with 17.7 seconds left in the second overtime. A strong defensive effort from Minnesota led to a transition play, where Russell Westbrook missed a running layup. Back on offense, Nickeil Alexander-Walker was fouled by Westbrook while attempting a three-pointer at the buzzer. He calmly sank the first two free throws to clinch the victory.

In a post-game press conference, Jokic commented on Westbrook’s foul, saying, “I’m pretty sure that he didn’t want to commit a foul or anything like that. It happens.”

Adding to his impressive performance, Jokic also grabbed ten rebounds and provided ten assists, marking his 31st triple-double of the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season. Despite dealing with a left ankle impingement for 52 minutes on Tuesday, he shot 18 of 29 from the field, which included six three-pointers, and recorded two steals.

“Just tired. It was a draining game,” Jokic admitted, while refraining from confirming any decisions regarding possibly resting during the upcoming matchup against the San Antonio Spurs in Denver on Wednesday.

Head coach Michael Malone had additional European options in Croatian Dario Saric and Slovenian Vlatko Cancar, but both remained on the bench throughout the game.

Following the nail-biter, Anthony Edwards expressed admiration for Jokic, stating, “He might be the best basketball player I’ve ever seen up close, besides myself. He’s unbelievable. The MVP race is competitive; I don’t know. He scored 60. That’s insane.”

The 23-year-old Wolves star contributed 34 points, ten rebounds, and eight assists, saying, “We were just hoping he’d miss,” referring to the team’s efforts to contain Jokic.

French teammate Rudy Gobert contributed a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds on 7-of-11 shooting in just under 40 minutes, along with one steal and one assist.

Bosnian Luka Garza had a limited role, appearing briefly, while Dutch player Jesse Edwards did not play.

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