Nikola Jokić’s Historic 61-Point Triple-Double Not Enough as Nuggets Fall to Timberwolves in Double Overtime Thriller
In what was nothing short of an extraordinary performance, Nikola Jokić delivered a historic 61-point triple-double in the Denver Nuggets’ heartbreaking 140-139 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Even by Jokić’s towering standards, his incredible feat was one for the ages.
The three-time NBA MVP finished with 61 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, making history as the first player to score 61 points in a triple-double. This also set a new career-high for the Serbian superstar and marked the most points scored by any player this season. However, despite Jokić’s brilliance, the Nuggets fell just short in a wild double-overtime thriller.
Jokić’s performance is especially remarkable considering he’s now only the second player in NBA history, after Wilt Chamberlain in 1963, to lose a game despite posting at least 50 points in a triple-double. This isn’t the first time the big man has rewritten the record books this month—back in early March, he also posted the first-ever 30-20-20 triple-double in league history.
After the game, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone referred to Jokić as “Superman,” acknowledging the incredible effort put forth by his star player. However, it was a devastating end to a game full of drama. With the score tied in the final moments of double overtime, Nickeil Alexander-Walker hit two free throws to seal the Timberwolves’ victory.
A tense sequence unfolded just before that, when Russell Westbrook made a crucial steal for Denver but missed a wide-open layup. To add insult to injury, Westbrook fouled Alexander-Walker on a three-point attempt as time expired, giving the Timberwolves guard three free throws to win the game. Alexander-Walker made the first two and deliberately missed the third to let the clock run out with only 0.2 seconds remaining.
“I feel awful for him,” Malone said, empathizing with Westbrook. “When you put forth that kind of an effort, and you don’t get the result, I just feel bad for our guys.”
Despite the tough loss, Jokić’s record-breaking night further solidified his MVP case and underscored the challenges he faces with a lack of consistent help from his teammates. While Aaron Gordon chipped in with 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, the Nuggets couldn’t overcome Minnesota’s balanced scoring attack.
For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards led the way with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Julius Randle and Alexander-Walker also contributed 26 points apiece, as six Minnesota players reached double figures. The win marked their third straight, pushing the Timberwolves to the No. 7 spot in the Western Conference playoff race, while the Nuggets held steady at No. 3.
■ Related News
Steph Curry Dazzles with 52-Point Performance in Warriors’ Win Over Grizzlies
In another unforgettable performance from a superstar, Steph Curry exploded for 52 points in the Golden State Warriors’ 134-125 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The 37-year-old sharpshooter drained 12 three-pointers and added 10 rebounds, eight assists, five steals, and a block in a stat-stuffing display that highlighted his remarkable talent.
Curry’s 52 points marked his 15th career 50-point game, tying him with Damian Lillard for sixth all-time in that category. The performance also moved Curry ahead of Jerry West on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, landing him in 25th place.
“Fifty-two points with people draped all over him, all game long,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “The guy is amazing to watch.”
Curry’s brilliance, along with Jimmy Butler’s 27 points, helped the Warriors extend their win streak to three games. Golden State jumped ahead of Memphis into the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, while the Grizzlies continue to slide with a fourth straight loss. Ja Morant led Memphis with 36 points in the defeat.
Tuesday’s NBA Scores:
- Phoenix Suns 123-133 Milwaukee Bucks
- Philadelphia 76ers 91-105 New York Knicks
- Portland Trail Blazers 127-113 Atlanta Hawks
- Golden State Warriors 134-125 Memphis Grizzlies
- Toronto Raptors 118-137 Chicago Bulls
- Orlando Magic 116-105 San Antonio Spurs
- Minnesota Timberwolves 140-139 (2OT) Denver Nuggets
The NBA continues to deliver thrilling performances, with superstars like Jokić and Curry proving time and again why they are the faces of the league.
Source: CNN – ‘Superman’ Nikola Jokić posts historic 61-point triple-double in Denver Nuggets defeat to Minnesota Timberwolves
