The Minnesota Timberwolves survived a historic 61-point triple-double from Nikola Jokic to claim a 140-139 double-overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker sealed the win by hitting two of three free throws with 0.1 seconds remaining after being fouled by Russell Westbrook in the corner. He deliberately missed the third free throw to prevent Denver from getting a final shot.
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 34 points, while Julius Randle added 26 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Alexander-Walker contributed 26 points off the bench.
Jokic delivered the most dominant individual performance of the NBA season, finishing with 61 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in 52 minutes. His outing marked just the third 60-point triple-double in league history.
The game featured 21 lead changes and had the intensity of a postseason battle. Minnesota has now won six straight against Denver, including playoffs.
Jokic forced both overtimes with clutch shots, tying the game at 112 in regulation with free throws and later knotting it at 125 with a floater in the first overtime.
Minnesota took advantage of Denver’s short-handed lineup, as the Nuggets were missing Jamal Murray (hamstring) and Michael Porter Jr. (personal reasons). The Timberwolves were also without Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo, both serving one-game suspensions.
The final moments were chaotic, with Westbrook stealing the ball and missing a go-ahead layup before fouling Alexander-Walker. The Timberwolves’ guard calmly sank the decisive free throws.
Rudy Gobert played a key role for Minnesota, tallying 19 points and 12 rebounds. Jaden McDaniels struggled offensively, shooting 5-of-17, but provided defensive pressure.
Aaron Gordon scored 30 points for Denver, while Christian Braun had 18 points and 12 rebounds. Westbrook finished with 12 points, seven assists, and six rebounds off the bench.
Jokic was nearly unstoppable, shooting 18-of-29 from the field, including 6-of-11 from three-point range. His 61 points set a new career high and are the most scored by any player in the league this season.
The Timberwolves’ bench outscored Denver’s reserves 40-14, providing crucial depth in the marathon contest.
Denver had a chance to close it out in the second overtime, taking a 139-138 lead when Jokic split free throws after being fouled by McDaniels. Minnesota capitalized on the final possession.
With the win, Minnesota (44-32) remains seventh in the Western Conference, closing in on the top six to avoid the play-in tournament. Denver (47-29) remains third but faces pressure from teams below.
