DENVER — Nikola Jokić delivered a historic performance, posting a 56-point triple-double and scoring an NBA-record 18 points in overtime as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 142–138 on Thursday night.
The reigning MVP surpassed Stephen Curry’s previous overtime record of 17 points, set in 2016, making Jokić’s total the most ever scored in an overtime period in NBA regular-season or playoff history.
Along with his scoring outburst, Jokić added 16 rebounds and 15 assists, while Jamal Murray chipped in 35 points to help Denver improve to 3–0 against Minnesota this season.
The Timberwolves were led by Anthony Edwards, who poured in 44 points, but his night ended early in the extra session after he was ejected for disputing foul calls.
The Nuggets pulled out the win despite being without three starters, including Cameron Johnson, who suffered a right knee injury during Tuesday night’s game in Dallas.
Anthony Edwards backed up his pregame confidence with a spectacular Christmas night showing, helping Minnesota erase a 15-point deficit in the final 5½ minutes of regulation. He capped the comeback by drilling a twisting three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime tied at 115–115.
Edwards continued his hot streak in the extra period, scoring seven quick points as the Timberwolves opened overtime on a 9–0 run. However, as Denver responded, Edwards was assessed two technical fouls for arguing calls and was ejected.
Before tipoff, Edwards had confidently told ESPN he expected a huge night, predicting at least 30 points — and possibly 40. He delivered on that promise, but the night ultimately belonged to Nikola Jokić.
In overtime, Jokić was flawless, shooting 3-for-3 from the field, including two three-pointers, and converting 10 of 11 free throws. After surrendering a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter, Denver found itself trailing 124–115 before rallying with an 11–2 run to pull even at 126–126.
Johnson’s injury added to Denver’s depleted lineup, joining Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) on the sidelines. With Johnson unavailable, Tim Hardaway Jr. stepped into the starting lineup and contributed 19 points.
By the end of the third quarter, Jokić had already recorded the 179th triple-double of his career, leaving him just two shy of Oscar Robertson for second place on the NBA’s all-time list.
