Final Score: Denver Nuggets 142, Minnesota Timberwolves 138 (OT)
This wasn’t just a game; it was a religious experience for basketball fans. Nikola Jokic proved why he is the “Sun” around which the NBA orbit rotates, delivering the first 55-15-15 game in league history.
Quarter-by-Quarter Highlights
- Q1 (32-29, DEN): Jamal Murray started hot, but Nikola Jokic focused on facilitation. Anthony Edwards kept it close with early rim pressure despite a visible shoulder stinger.
- Q2 (57-55, DEN): A defensive grind. Rudy Gobert locked down the paint, but Nikola Jokic began drawing fouls, finishing the half with a perfect mark from the stripe.
- Q3 (92-78, DEN): The Nuggets blew it open. Jokic notched his triple-double with 7:24 left in the period. Minnesota looked gassed.
- Q4 (115-115, TIE): The Collapse. Denver led by 15 with 5:30 left. Anthony Edwards went “supernova,” scoring 24 points in the final frame, including a twisting, fadeaway corner 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to force OT.
- Overtime (142-138, DEN): The Record. Jokic decided he wasn’t losing. He scored 18 points in OT alone, breaking Stephen Curry’s all-time record for OT scoring.
The Drama: Fights & Ejections
With 21 seconds left in OT, Anthony Edwards was whistled for a foul. He exploded at the officiating crew, receiving two quick technicals. Edwards was ejected, leaving the floor to a chorus of boos and cheers. Earlier, Rudy Gobert fouled out, leaving Minnesota toothless in the final minutes.
Outlook & Next Game Fix
- Injuries: Cameron Johnson (DEN) is out 4–6 weeks (knee). Anthony Edwards (MIN) is nursing a shoulder injury.
- Chances: Denver is the clear West favorite. Minnesota has the talent but lacks the emotional discipline to close elite games.
- The Fix: Minnesota needs a secondary playmaker when Edwards is doubled. Denver needs to shore up their bench so Jokic doesn’t have to play 45+ minutes.
