In a stunning display of skill and determination, Nikola Jokic delivered a sensational performance on April 1, 2025, racking up an astonishing 61 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, despite his heroics, the Denver Nuggets fell just short in a thrilling double-overtime battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing 140-139 at Ball Arena.
Jokic's remarkable stat line made him just the third player in NBA history to record a 60-point triple-double, joining the elite ranks of James Harden and Luka Doncic. His performance set the stage for what many are calling the game of the year, featuring playoff-like intensity and an incredible 21 lead changes throughout the contest.
On the opposing side, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves to victory with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, showcasing his prowess in clutch moments. The Timberwolves' win was crucial, as it pulled them even with the Memphis Grizzlies for the sixth seed in the Western Conference, both teams now standing at 44-32.
As the game unfolded, the Nuggets found themselves without two key players: Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Murray missed his second consecutive game due to tightness in his right hamstring, while Porter was a late scratch due to a family situation. Nuggets coach Michael Malone emphasized the importance of family, stating, "I told Michael, ‘Listen, family is more important than anything. You’ve got to be with your family.’”
The absence of these two starters proved significant, especially as Jokic played an exhausting 52 minutes and 38 seconds, not leaving the floor after halftime. Despite the challenges, he managed to hit two free throws with 13.9 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 112.
In a dramatic finish, the game reached double overtime after Jokic's floater tied the score at 125 in the first overtime. However, the ending was marred by controversy when Russell Westbrook, who had stolen the ball, missed a layup and then fouled Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the corner. Alexander-Walker subsequently hit two of three free throws with just 0.1 seconds remaining, sealing the Timberwolves' victory.
NBA officials faced scrutiny over the foul call on Westbrook, which occurred after the shot, with Crew Chief Sean Wright explaining, "Once we go to the monitor the play is reviewed and we see what time the illegal contact actually happened, the illegal contact occurred at 0.1, therefore .1 is then put on the clock and you shoot the three free throws and play with that time.”
Adding to the drama, the jump ball call prior to this sequence could not be reviewed because both teams were out of challenges. Wright noted, "Both teams were out of challenges at the time of the out of bounds, therefore you can’t review it.”
The Timberwolves, despite missing key players Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo due to suspensions for their roles in an on-court altercation against the Detroit Pistons, managed to rally and secure their sixth consecutive victory over the Nuggets.
The Nuggets' loss puts them in a precarious position in the Western Conference, now sitting at 47-29, just ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers, who have played one fewer game. This outcome leaves the Nuggets' playoff standing far from secure.
Jokic's performance, while historic, was bittersweet. He finished the game shooting 18 of 29 from the floor, including six three-pointers. However, the Nuggets dropped to 18-3 at home when tied or leading after the first quarter, having led by as much as 16 points in the opening quarter.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets are set to host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, while the Timberwolves will travel to Brooklyn for their next matchup on Thursday night. As the playoff race intensifies, both teams will be looking to secure their positions in the postseason.
In the end, while Jokic's record-breaking night will be remembered, the focus remains on the team’s ability to bounce back and regroup as they head deeper into the season. Can the Nuggets find a way to stabilize their roster and secure a strong playoff position? Only time will tell.
