In a breathtaking showdown on April 1, 2025, Nikola Jokic delivered one of the most astounding performances in NBA history, scoring 61 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists in a double-overtime thriller. Despite his historic triple-double, the Denver Nuggets fell short against the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing 140-139.
Jokic’s 61 points not only marked the highest scoring game of his career, surpassing his previous best of 56 against the Washington Wizards earlier this season, but also set a new NBA record for the most points in a triple-double, eclipsing Luka Doncic's previous record of 60 points. This remarkable feat made Jokic only the third player in NBA history to achieve a triple-double with 60 or more points.
The game itself was a nail-biter, featuring two overtimes and a dramatic finish that left fans on the edge of their seats. With just 17.7 seconds remaining and the Nuggets leading by one, Russell Westbrook intercepted a pass from Anthony Edwards, giving Denver a chance to seal the game. However, Westbrook missed a layup, and in a twist of fate, he fouled Nickeil Alexander-Walker on a three-point attempt with only 0.1 seconds left on the clock. Alexander-Walker converted both free throws, clinching the victory for Minnesota.
Despite the loss, Jokic’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He played the entire second half without resting, showcasing his stamina and skill. Alongside him, Aaron Gordon contributed significantly with 30 points, while Christian Braun added 18 points and 12 rebounds. The Nuggets, however, were without key players Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., which hampered their ability to close out the game.
The Timberwolves, who were also missing players due to suspensions—Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo were sidelined after being penalized for their involvement in a fight against the Detroit Pistons—managed to rally behind Edwards, who led his team with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Julius Randle and Alexander-Walker each chipped in with 26 points, helping Minnesota sweep the four-game season series against the Nuggets.
The game began with Denver establishing an early lead, jumping ahead by as much as 16 points in the first quarter. Jokic was instrumental in this run, orchestrating the offense and finding open teammates. However, the Timberwolves displayed resilience, gradually chipping away at the deficit and balancing their defense against Jokic.
As the game progressed into overtime, neither team could pull away, with both sides trading baskets and defensive stands. In the first overtime, Minnesota led 118-117 when Alexander-Walker hit a crucial three-pointer, followed by a fadeaway jumper from Edwards that pushed the lead to six points with just over two minutes remaining. But the Nuggets responded with a quick 8-2 run, forcing a second overtime.
In the final moments of the second overtime, Jokic hit a floater to give Denver a brief lead at 134-131, but the Timberwolves quickly countered with layups from McDaniels and Edwards. The tension escalated as both teams exchanged three-pointers, leading to Westbrook's critical free throw miss and the subsequent foul on Alexander-Walker.
This thrilling match not only showcased Jokic's extraordinary talent but also highlighted the competitive spirit between these two teams. With the postseason approaching, the stakes have never been higher, and the possibility of a playoff rematch looms large after this intense battle.
The Nuggets will look to bounce back when they face the San Antonio Spurs on April 2, while the Timberwolves are set to take on the Brooklyn Nets on April 3. Both teams are eager to solidify their playoff positions, making every game count as the regular season winds down.
As the dust settles on this historic encounter, fans and analysts alike are left to ponder the implications of Jokic’s record-breaking night and the fierce rivalry that continues to develop between the Nuggets and Timberwolves.
