In a thrilling matchup that will be talked about for some time, the Minnesota Timberwolves edged out the Denver Nuggets in double overtime, overcoming an astonishing performance from Nikola Jokic, who recorded a jaw-dropping 61-point triple-double. This game, ending 140-139, exemplified sheer determination from both teams, but it was Minnesota that came out on top, showcasing their resilience.
Jokic’s night was nothing short of historic. His 61 points not only marked a season-high in the NBA but also set the record for the most points ever scored in a triple-double in league history. Clocking in an incredible 52 minutes and 38 seconds without subbing out after halftime, Jokic’s effort signaled an unwavering commitment to his team. “Nikola came up to me after the third quarter and said, ‘Coach, I’m good. Leave me in there,’” Nuggets coach Michael Malone remarked, highlighting Jokic’s rhythm and confidence on the court. With 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals to round out his stats, the big man indeed played the role of a superhero that night.
While Jokic was soaring, the Timberwolves capitalized on pivotal moments, sealing the game with two clutch free throws from Nickeil Alexander-Walker with just 0.1 seconds left. The closing sequence was chaotic: Russell Westbrook, in an attempt to change the game’s tide, stole the ball but missed a potential game-winning layup before fouling Alexander-Walker. Malone reflected on Westbrook’s demeanor: “He’s a guy that hates to lose,” indicating both the weight of the moment and the competitive spirit driving players like Westbrook, who, despite the missteps, pours everything into every play.
Another intriguing point to ponder from the game was the strategic choices made as the clock wound down. Should the Nuggets have opted to pull back in the face of a fast break instead of attempting the layup? It’s a classic scenario that coaches wrestle with. Malone addressed this conundrum earnestly, stating, “As a coach, am I up on the sideline yelling, ‘Don’t go?’ We’ve got a layup.” It’s easy to second-guess in hindsight, but these are the moments that make basketball so unpredictable and riveting.
Despite the heartbreak for Denver, Jokic displayed remarkable empathy towards Westbrook, underscoring the unity of the team even in defeat: “It happens. I’m pretty sure he didn’t want to foul.” Such sentiments resonate with fans, reminding everyone that behind the jerseys and stats, the human component of sports drives their allure.
Anthony Edwards was a star for Minnesota as well, leading the team with 34 points, alongside 10 rebounds and 8 assists. His remarkable performance included a late-game surge that helped catapult his team to victory, reinforcing his status as a rising star to watch in the league.
The game held an electrifying intensity reminiscent of playoff basketball, evidenced by the 21 lead changes that kept fans at the edge of their seats. Interestingly, while Jokic became part of an elite club with his historic triple-double, he wasn’t the only player drawing comparisons to legends. Edwards jokingly suggested, “Nikola Jokic might be the best basketball player that I have ever seen close up, besides myself,” reflecting on the playful competitiveness that thrives in the league.
In terms of stats, Jokic’s journey to 61 points was composed of 18-of-29 shooting from the field, including six three-pointers. It was the second-highest individual point total in Nuggets history, following David Thompson’s iconic 73 points back in 1978 and the most ever allowed by the Timberwolves to an opponent.
The Timberwolves managed to secure this narrow victory without key players Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo, who were suspended for a previous incident, while Denver was missing Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. due to injury and personal reasons, respectively.
This matchup just goes to show that every game tells its own story, filled with unpredictable twists, and for both Timberwolves and Nuggets fans, this double overtime thriller was one for the ages. It serves as a reminder of just how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA.
