DENVER — In a remarkable display of endurance and skill, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets put up a career-high 61 points in what can only be called a herculean effort. Despite the brilliant performance, Jokic and the Nuggets fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 140-139, in a grueling double-overtime contest. For Jokic, this game, which saw him on the court for nearly 53 minutes without a break after halftime, has left him with just one overwhelming desire: sleep.
Tuesday night’s game was a showcase of Jokic’s extraordinary talent, as he notched up 10 rebounds and 10 assists, making it only the third instance in NBA history of a player achieving a 60-point triple-double. This rare feat places him alongside Luka Doncic and James Harden, who achieved similar milestones in December 2022 and January 2018, respectively. Nuggets’ head coach, Michael Malone, aptly labeled him “Superman” for such a stellar performance. “He’s on a whole other level, man,” Malone added, defending Jokic’s athleticism.
Before this, Jokic’s highest scoring game was 56 points against Washington in December. The Nuggets franchise record remains with David Thompson, who had 73 points against Detroit in 1978. Jokic’s free-throw prowess on Tuesday also saw him make 19 of 24 attempts, tying him with Carmelo Anthony for the team record. “Tired,” Jokic remarked on his overall sentiment following the taxing game.
Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves, who had a solid performance with 34 points and 10 rebounds, lauded Jokic by saying, “He might be the best basketball player that I have ever seen close up, besides myself.” His remark hints at the fierce competition in the MVP race, where Jokic is a strong contender alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Oklahoma City.
While Jokic’s performance was the highlight, the game ended on a dramatic note. With the Nuggets leading 139-138 and just 14 seconds to go, Russell Westbrook’s failed layup attempt led to Timberwolves’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker going to the line, where he converted two out of three free throws to clinch the win for Minnesota. Nuggets coach Malone expressed disappointment but acknowledged the genuine hustle of his team, saying, “Sometimes it goes like that, and that’s why we’ve just got to be strong. We’ve got to be resilient.”
There was a debate on whether the Nuggets should have strategically pulled back instead of going for that layup in the closing seconds. Malone reflected, “It’s tough. You’ve got a two-on-one break. As a coach, am I up on the sideline yelling, ‘Don’t go?’ We’ve got a layup.” Despite the outcome, Malone commended Westbrook’s efforts and assured that the team stands by him.
Looking ahead, Jokic and the Nuggets face little respite as they are set to compete against the San Antonio Spurs the following night. Jokic remains unfazed by the back-to-back games, stating, “I think we’re so used to this. Tomorrow, I’m not going to remember I played so many minutes.”