Nikola Jokic’s 56-point triple-double lifts Nuggets past Timberwolves in overtime

DENVER (Journos News ) – Nikola Jokic produced one of the most dominant performances in recent NBA history on Thursday night, scoring 56 points and posting a triple-double to lift the Denver Nuggets to a 142–138 overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. His historic night included a record-setting scoring burst in overtime and came as Denver played without three regular starters.

DENVER (Journos News) — Jokic finished with 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists, controlling the game from start to finish and delivering when the outcome was in doubt. He scored 18 points in overtime alone, the most ever by a player in an extra period in NBA history, breaking the previous record of 17 set by Stephen Curry in 2016.

The performance combined volume scoring with precise execution. Jokic repeatedly found open teammates, punished mismatches in the paint and made timely shots from beyond the arc. His calm presence steadied Denver during a game marked by momentum swings and late drama.

Historic overtime performance

Jokic took full control once the game reached overtime. He went 3-for-3 from the field, including two three-pointers, and converted 10 of 11 free throws. Each basket halted Minnesota’s early momentum and shifted the game firmly back in Denver’s favor.

After surrendering a 15-point lead late in regulation, the Nuggets briefly fell behind 124–115 in overtime. Denver responded with an 11–2 run, driven almost entirely by Jokic’s scoring and playmaking. He sealed the victory at the free-throw line in the closing seconds.

The outing marked Jokic’s 179th career triple-double. That total leaves him two shy of Oscar Robertson for second place on the NBA’s all-time list. Only Russell Westbrook has recorded more.

Nuggets overcome key absences

Denver’s win came despite a depleted lineup. The Nuggets were without three starters, forcing heavier minutes on their remaining core players. Cameron Johnson missed the game after hyperextending his right knee earlier in the week against Dallas. He joined Aaron Gordon, sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Christian Braun, out with an ankle issue.

Jamal Murray provided crucial support with 35 points. Tim Hardaway Jr., inserted into the starting lineup, added 19 points and helped stabilize the offense during stretches when Jokic rested.

The victory improved Denver to 3–0 against Minnesota this season and reinforced the team’s resilience amid injuries. It also highlighted the central role Jokic continues to play in Denver’s success.

Edwards leads late Minnesota surge

Minnesota nearly turned the game around behind Anthony Edwards, who scored 44 points and led a furious late rally. The Timberwolves trailed by 15 points with just over five minutes left in regulation. Edwards sparked the comeback with aggressive drives and perimeter shooting.

With 1.1 seconds remaining, Edwards hit a twisting three-pointer to tie the game at 115 and force overtime. The shot capped a dramatic stretch that silenced the Denver crowd and shifted pressure onto the home team.

Earlier in the week, Edwards had told ESPN he expected a big performance on Christmas. His confidence showed on the court, as he repeatedly attacked Denver’s defense and carried Minnesota’s offense.

Ejection changes momentum

Edwards opened overtime with seven quick points as Minnesota jumped out to a 9–0 run. However, his night ended abruptly. As Denver began to respond, Edwards received two technical fouls for arguing calls and was ejected.

The ejection proved a turning point. Without their leading scorer on the floor, the Timberwolves struggled to maintain offensive rhythm. Denver capitalized immediately, with Jokic dictating every possession.

A night defined by control and composure

While Minnesota showed resilience, Denver’s composure in overtime made the difference. Jokic’s efficiency, combined with his ability to slow the game and draw fouls, allowed the Nuggets to regain control after nearly letting the game slip away.

For Denver, the result underscored the team’s ability to withstand adversity and close out tight games. For Minnesota, it highlighted the fine margins that often decide close contests, particularly when discipline and execution matter most.

The game will be remembered less for the comeback attempt and more for Jokic’s place in the record books. Performances of this scale remain rare, even among the league’s elite.

On Thursday night in Denver, Nikola Jokic delivered a complete, controlled and historic effort that will stand as one of the defining individual displays of the NBA season.