Denver and Minnesota played the NBA game of the season tonight, and Nikola Jokić had the best performance of his entire career! The spectacle, in which the visitors celebrated for the fourth time this season and the sixth time in a row, ended only after double overtime in a heart-stopping finish.

However, more than Minnesota’s road win, Jokić’s historic performance will be remembered. As if to spite those who have already chosen—more accurately, orchestrated—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as this year’s MVP, the best basketball player on the planet set a career-high with 61 points (previously 56), along with 11 rebounds and 10 assists. But despite his efforts, Denver lost 140-139 due to a crucial missed shot and a costly foul by Russell Westbrook, the tragic figure of the game.

A Career Night Ends in Heartbreak for Jokić

It is truly a tragedy that Jokić’s game of a lifetime was not rewarded with a victory! His best teammate and biggest ally on the court this year, Russell Westbrook, committed a foul on Alexander-Walker during a three-point attempt with just 0.1 seconds left, sealing the game from the free-throw line.

Jokić played an incredible 52 and a half minutes, shooting 18/29 from the field, including 6/11 from three-point range, while also recording two steals.

Aaron Gordon contributed 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Bruce Brown added 18 points and 12 rebounds. Westbrook finished with 12 points, seven assists, and six rebounds.

For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards led the way with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, while Alexander-Walker added 26 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. Julius Randle also scored 26 points, and Rudy Gobert posted 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Minnesota Continues Its Dominance Over Denver

Before the game, Denver coach Michael Malone revealed that one of his assistants had scouted Minnesota’s last six or seven games and noticed that the Timberwolves played with a different level of intensity against Denver compared to other teams.

And indeed, Denver seems to be a special source of motivation for Minnesota. In their last six meetings, Minnesota has won five times—including this one—and even the sixth game was a preseason victory. Last season, the Timberwolves eliminated the Nuggets in the playoffs, setting the stage for an even tougher defensive approach against Jokić this time. That playoff series pushed Jokić to perfect his three-point shooting, which was on full display in this game.

Jokić needed support from his teammates—especially with Jamal Murray out—but Denver still started strong, building a 30-15 lead. However, Minnesota quickly responded, and by halftime, Denver led by just one point (53-52).

In the third quarter, Minnesota took the lead, entering the final period up 84-81. Denver then went on a dominant 8-0 run, regaining control.

A Dramatic Finish and Double Overtime

Denver started to dominate again, holding Minnesota to a 16-2 scoring drought in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter. However, the Timberwolves fought back and tied the game with 14 seconds left.

Jokić then forced Rudy Gobert into his sixth foul, sinking both free throws to tie the game at 112-112. Minnesota called a timeout, but Randle missed a game-winning three—sending the game into overtime.

In the first overtime, Edwards and McDaniels started strong for Minnesota, but Gordon responded from the free-throw line while Jokić missed a floater. However, Jokić redeemed himself by scoring his 51st point.

Despite his efforts, Denver had no answer for Randle, Alexander-Walker, and Edwards, and with Minnesota leading 123-117, Malone called a timeout with two and a half minutes left.

Jokić hit a crucial three-pointer on an assist from Gordon, cutting the lead to 123-120. The roles then reversed—Jokić assisted Gordon for a three, putting Denver ahead 125-123, setting up another dramatic finish with 53 seconds left.

Jokić missed a potential game-tying shot, but Bruce Brown stole the ball on the next defensive play. Edwards then committed a foul, giving Malone a timeout with 13 seconds left.

After the break—everyone knew where the ball was going. Jokić scored the game-tying basket, sending the game into double overtime!

Westbrook’s Costly Mistake Seals Denver’s Fate

The second overtime was just as intense. Edwards and Conley hit three-pointers, but Jokić and Westbrook responded. Jokić then assisted Westbrook, bringing him one step closer to a triple-double.

With a floater, Jokić reached 60 points, putting Denver ahead 134-131. However, McDaniels and Edwards erased the lead, and Minnesota entered the final minute up 135-134—prompting another Malone timeout.

Jokić completed his triple-double after the timeout, assisting Gordon and then hitting one of two free throws, giving Denver a 139-138 lead. Minnesota had 18 seconds left to respond.

And then—disaster struck for Denver.

Westbrook missed an easy layup on a fast break, then committed a foul on a three-point attempt with just 0.1 seconds left. It proved to be the decisive moment as Alexander-Walker sank the free throws, securing the win for Minnesota.

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Source: Kurir, Foto: Printscreen Instagram

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