DENVER — Nikola Jokic achieved a triple-double with 56 points and made history in the NBA by scoring 18 points during overtime, propelling the Denver Nuggets to a 142-138 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday evening.
Jokic surpassed Stephen Curry’s 2016 record of 17 points in overtime, setting a new benchmark for the most points by an individual player in either a regular-season or playoff game in the NBA.
Alongside his triple-double, Jokic also recorded 16 rebounds and 15 assists, while Jamal Murray contributed 35 points, helping the Nuggets improve their record to 3-0 this season against the Timberwolves. Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards had a remarkable game with 44 points, but he was ejected during overtime for disputing foul calls.
The Nuggets secured the win despite missing three of their starting players, including Cameron Johnson, who sustained a right knee injury during a game against Dallas on Tuesday.
Edwards fulfilled his promise for a standout performance on Christmas night, leading the Timberwolves back from a 15-point deficit in the last 5½ minutes of regulation and scoring a twisting three-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining to equalize at 115.
He swiftly scored seven points, allowing the Timberwolves to start the extra period with a 9-0 run. However, as the Nuggets retaliated, Edwards received two technical fouls and was subsequently ejected.
Ahead of the game, Edwards stated to ESPN: “I’m guaranteeing I’ll score at least 30 points. I might even get 40. It’s going to be an incredible night.”
And it certainly was.
For Jokic.
During the overtime, Jokic went 3-for-3 shooting, including 2-for-2 from three-point range, in addition to having a superb 10-for-11 showing from the free-throw line.
After squandering a 15-point advantage in the fourth quarter, the Nuggets found themselves trailing 124-115, but they responded with an 11-2 run that brought the score to 126-all.
Nuggets forward Johnson, who hyperextended his right knee, joined teammates Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) on the bench.
With Johnson sidelined, Tim Hardaway Jr. started the game and contributed 19 points.
By the time the third quarter concluded, Jokic had recorded his 179th career triple-double, just two short of tying Oscar Robertson for second place in NBA history.
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