Nikola Jokic’s record night powers Nuggets to overtime win over Timberwolves
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Dec 27, 2025, 02:28 IST
Nikola Jokic delivered a historic performance with 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists as Denver defeated Minnesota 142–138 in overtime. He scored a record 18 points in the extra period to lead a late comeback after the Nuggets trailed by nine. Jamal Murray added 35 points, while Anthony Edwards finished with 44 in the loss for Minnesota.
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 142-138 in overtime on Thursday night in Denver. Nikola Jokic put up a dominant performance and scored a career-high 56 points while also recording 16 rebounds and 15 assists to lead the Nuggets to the win.
The three-time MVP took over in overtime, scoring 18 points in the extra period, which is the most ever scored in a single NBA overtime. His performance broke Stephen Curry’s previous record of 17 points in an overtime game. Jokic also became the first player in league history to record a 55-point triple-double.
Denver trailed late in regulation before Anthony Edwards sent the game to overtime with a clutch three-pointer. Edwards finished with 44 points for Minnesota and scored 11 in overtime, and picked up two technical fouls.
The Nuggets were down by nine early in overtime before Jokic sparked a massive comeback. Denver closed the game on a 27-14 run, setting an NBA record for most points scored in a five-minute overtime period. Jokic hit multiple clutch shots and made 10 of 11 free throws in the final minute.
Jamal Murray scored 35 points for Denver, knocking down nine three-pointers. He also made a key defensive play in overtime that helped Denver gain momentum.
Minnesota's scoring was led by Edwards, who scored 44 points, while Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle contributed on the boards. However, the Timberwolves couldn’t slow down Jokic late.
During the postgame conference, David Adelman, the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, said, “I’ll just keep saying: Don’t get tired of this. He’s the best player in the world, just the bottom line. And what he does nightly it’s important to the game of basketball. It’s good for sports, it’s good for his head coach.”