In a historic night, an All-Star center achieved the rare feat of recording a 60-point triple-double, becoming only the third player in NBA history to do so.
Trailing by one with 17.7 seconds left, Denver’s Russell Westbrook intercepted a pass from Anthony Edwards, but missed a chance to score. The Timberwolves capitalized on the turnover, making it to Alexander-Walker who, after being fouled by Westbrook, successfully made the first two free throws of the game-winning moment, spoiling a phenomenal performance by Nikola Jokic.
Jokic, a three-time MVP, put on a spectacular show, recording his first-ever game with at least 60 points in his career, surpassing De’Aaron Fox’s previous mark of 60 for the most points scored in a game this season. Beyond his scoring, Jokic also delivered an impressive stat line of 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
Leading the Timberwolves in scoring, Anthony Edwards finished with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Julius Randle each contributed 26 points, while Rudy Gobert added 19 points and 12 rebounds. This win marks the Timberwolves’ third straight, propelling them to a 44-32 record for the season.
The match was somewhat marred by the absence of players on both sides due to either suspension or injury, with Minnesota missing Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid, and Denver without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
Denver’s Aaron Gordon led the team with 30 points, while Christian Braun added 18 points, 12 rebounds, and three steals. The game saw an intense back-and-forth, with both teams fighting for supremacy until the very end.
The battle extended into double overtime, with pivotal moments including Alexander-Walker’s three-pointer and Edwards’ 19-foot fadeaway, which initially gave the Timberwolves a six-point lead. Jokic and Gordon rallied the Nuggets with their respective three-pointers, leading to a close second overtime.
Ultimately, Jokic’s performance, despite the loss, showcased his unmatched talent and versatility on the court. The game ended with a jump ball that saw Jokic getting fouled and missing one of his free throws, leaving the final outcome in the hands of Alexander-Walker’s free throws.
