On Tuesday night, Nikola Jokic delivered an extraordinary performance, netting a personal record of 61 points while securing a triple-double. It was an unforgettable display of skill and precision.
In this stellar game, Jokic joined the exclusive club of players like James Harden and Luka Doncic, who have also recorded a 60-point triple-double. It marked his 31st triple-double of the season.
But would you believe, it wasn’t enough to clinch the win?
In a thrilling matchup, packed with eight lead changes just in the second overtime, the Denver Nuggets fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing 140-139. This high-octane duel stretched into double-overtime, adding to a series of six consecutive losses for Denver against Minnesota.
The Nuggets briefly seized the lead, 139-138, with just 17.7 seconds to spare, thanks to a foul-drawn free throw by Jokic. Minnesota had possession next, and amid the intensity, Anthony Edwards lost the ball under pressure, clearing the way for Denver’s fast break led by Russell Westbrook. At this point, Westbrook had the chance to either stall and force the Timberwolves to foul or charge for the basket. Opting for the latter, he went for a pass from Christian Braun to drive toward the hoop, but his layup attempt fell short, offering Minnesota one last moment.
With the game on the line, Minnesota’s Edwards attracted heavy defense but skillfully passed to an open Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the corner. As Alexander-Walker attempted the decisive three-pointer, Westbrook fouled him, providing Alexander-Walker with the chance to win it at the line. He made two crucial free throws, sealing the win for the Timberwolves.
Minnesota emerged victorious with a nail-biting 140-139 finish. Edwards spearheaded the Timberwolves’ victory tallying an impressive 34 points, with an emphatic 24 of those scored during the fourth quarter and overtime.
With this win, coupled with Memphis’ defeat on the same night, the Timberwolves now sit tied with the Grizzlies for the sixth spot in the Western Conference, with potential to move out of play-in contention. Meanwhile, Denver remains third, but with the Lakers hot on their heels just half a game away, it’s gearing up to be a nail-biting final week in the West.
