Anthony Edwards had high praise for Nikola Jokic after their double-overtime showdown, calling the Denver Nuggets star “incredible” following Minnesota’s 140-139 win.
“That might’ve been the best game of my life that I’ve been a part of,” Edwards said postgame.
“Nikola Jokic, bruh. Oh my God. He might be the best basketball player I’ve ever seen like close up besides myself to myself,” Edwards continued. “He’s incredible, bruh. That MVP race is tough.”
Jokic delivered one of the greatest performances of the season, recording 61 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in 52 minutes. His 60-point triple-double was only the third in NBA history.
Despite Jokic’s dominance, the Timberwolves extended their winning streak over the Nuggets to six games, including last year’s playoff series.
Edwards led Minnesota with 34 points, while Julius Randle added 26 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 26 points off the bench, including the game-winning free throws with 0.1 seconds remaining.
The Nuggets were short-handed, missing Jamal Murray (hamstring) and Michael Porter Jr. (personal reasons), while Minnesota played without Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo, who were suspended for their roles in an altercation against Detroit.
Jokic forced both overtimes with clutch shots, tying the game at 112 in regulation with free throws and again at 125 in the first overtime with a floater.
The game had a playoff atmosphere, featuring 21 lead changes and several momentum swings.
In the closing moments, Russell Westbrook stole the ball but missed a go-ahead layup before fouling Alexander-Walker in the corner. The Timberwolves’ guard then made two of three free throws to seal the win.
Rudy Gobert contributed 19 points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota, while Jaden McDaniels added 12 points despite struggling from the field.
For Denver, Aaron Gordon scored 30 points, Christian Braun had 18 points and 12 rebounds, and Westbrook finished with 12 points, seven assists, and six rebounds.
Jokic was unstoppable, shooting 18-of-29 from the field and 6-of-11 from beyond the arc. His 61 points are the most by any player in the NBA this season.
Minnesota’s bench outscored Denver’s reserves 40-14, proving to be a difference-maker in the grueling contest.
Jokic gave Denver a 139-138 lead in the second overtime after splitting free throws, but Minnesota capitalized on its final possession.
The Nuggets fell to 18-3 at home when leading or tied after the first quarter. They had built a 16-point lead in the opening period.
Minnesota (44-32) remains in seventh place in the Western Conference as it pushes to secure a top-six spot and avoid the play-in tournament. Denver (47-29) stays third but faces increasing pressure from teams below in the standings.
