Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Jokic’s Herculean Effort in Nuggets’ Double Overtime Loss
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic delivered a herculean 61-point performance, a career-high and the NBA season’s best, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jokic, often described as “Superman” by coach Michael Malone, logged nearly 53 minutes in the grueling double-overtime matchup, which the Timberwolves narrowly won 140-139.
Record-Setting Performance
Despite the defeat, Jokic’s scoring outburst etched his name further into NBA history. His 61 points marked the highest single-game score in the league this season. Adding to his impressive stat line, he also grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out 10 assists, achieving only the third 60-point triple-double in NBA history. This exclusive club includes Luka Dončić, who accomplished the feat in December 2022, and James Harden, who did so in January 2018.
- Career-High Scoring: 61 points, the most in the NBA this season.
- Historic Triple-Double: Joined Dončić and Harden as the only players with 60-point triple-doubles.
- Extended Playing Time: Played nearly 53 minutes, dominating the court after halftime.
Coach Malone’s Praise: “He’s Superman”
“The guy’s Superman,” Nuggets coach Malone reiterated, emphasizing Jokic’s exceptional abilities. “He’s on a whole other level, man. People may question his athleticism, but few players in the league can accomplish what he does.” Malone’s praise underscores Jokic’s dominant role and impact on the Denver Nuggets’ performance.
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“Tired” Jokic Reflects on Exhausting Game
Jokic’s dominant performance included drawing 24 free throws, converting 19 and tying a Nuggets’ franchise record previously held by Carmelo Anthony. However, when asked about his overwhelming emotion after the game, Jokic simply stated, “Tired. It was an exhausting game.”
Edwards and MVP Race Recognition
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards acknowledged Jokic’s exceptional play, stating, “Nikola Jokic, he might be the best basketball player that I have ever seen close up, besides myself,” Edwards quipped, while noting his own 34 points and 10 rebounds. “He is incredible.” Edwards’ comments highlight the widespread recognition of Jokic’s talent, particularly amidst a competitive MVP race with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City. Jokic is the reigning NBA MVP, having secured the award last season.
Game’s Wild Conclusion
While Jokic’s scoring exploits will dominate the narrative for Denver Nuggets fans, this game, the Nuggets’ sixth consecutive loss to Minnesota (including playoffs), will also be remembered for its dramatic finish.
Leading 139-138 with approximately 14 seconds remaining, a turnover and subsequent foul ultimately cost the Nuggets the game. Despite a steal by Russell Westbrook, a missed layup and a foul on Nickeil Alexander-Walker sealed the Timberwolves’ victory at the free-throw line.
Malone Defends Westbrook, Questions Final Play
“Obviously, I feel awful for Russ,” Malone commented regarding Westbrook’s crucial play. “That last play we get the turnover, we don’t convert, and then the foul. It was not from a lack of effort or care.” Malone defended his player, emphasizing that the team needs to remain resilient despite the disappointing outcome.
The question of whether the Nuggets should have opted to run down the clock instead of attempting a quick layup was raised. “It’s tough. You’ve got a two-on-one break,” Malone explained. “As a coach, am I up on the sideline yelling, ‘Don’t go?’ We’ve got a layup. But it’s easy to say that [pull the ball out] in hindsight, because we missed a layup.” Malone acknowledged the difficult split-second decision in the game’s final moments and supported Westbrook, saying, “[Westbrook] is a tough kid, and I think he knows that everybody in that locker room’s got his back.”
Quick Turnaround for Denver Nuggets
Despite the physically demanding game, Jokic and the Denver Nuggets face a quick turnaround, scheduled to play against San Antonio the following night. “I think we’re so used to this,” Jokic stated, seemingly unfazed by the heavy workload. “Tomorrow, I’m not going to remember I played so many minutes.”
MVP Contenders Shine
Jokic was not the only MVP-caliber player to deliver an outstanding performance that Tuesday night. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors also showcased his brilliance, scoring 52 points, including an impressive 12 three-pointers, in a 134-125 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. This highlights the high level of competition and exceptional individual performances across the NBA landscape.