Jokic Scores 61, Nuggets Fall 140-139 to Timberwolves Late/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Nikola Jokic delivered a career-high 61-point triple-double in a double-overtime showdown against Minnesota. Despite his historic effort, the Denver Nuggets fell 140-139 after a wild final sequence. The performance reignites MVP debates as Jokic battles fatigue and high minutes.
Nikola Jokic’s 61-Point Game Quick Looks
- Jokic scored a career-high 61 points in 52:59 of playing time.
- It marked the third 60-point triple-double in NBA history.
- He also added 10 rebounds and 10 assists, dominating both ends of the court.
- Jokic went 19-for-24 from the free-throw line, tying Carmelo Anthony’s team record.
- The Nuggets lost 140-139 in double OT to the Timberwolves.
- It was Denver’s sixth straight loss to Minnesota, dating back to the playoffs.
- Jokic’s previous career high was 56 points (Dec. 7, 2022).
- David Thompson still holds Denver’s franchise scoring record with 73 points.
- Anthony Edwards called Jokic “the best player I’ve ever seen up close.”
- Russell Westbrook’s late turnover and foul sealed Denver’s defeat in the final second.
Jokic Scores Career-High 61 in Double-OT Loss to Timberwolves: Deep Look
DENVER, Colo. — Nikola Jokic was nearly unstoppable. He was also nearly victorious. In a double-overtime heartbreaker, the reigning MVP candidate poured in a career-high 61 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists, only for the Denver Nuggets to fall 140-139 to the surging Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
Jokic’s monstrous performance not only led all scorers this season, but also etched his name into the NBA record books. He became just the third player in league history to record a 60-point triple-double, joining James Harden and Luka Doncic in the elite club.
After the game, Jokic wasn’t basking in glory. He was simply exhausted. “Tired,” he said with a laugh. “It was an exhausting game.”
Playing Like a Superhero
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone didn’t hold back in his praise: “The guy’s Superman,” he said. “He’s on a whole other level, man. People say he’s not athletic, but not many guys can do what he does.”
Jokic was on the court for nearly 53 straight minutes, not sitting out a single second after halftime. He attempted 24 free throws, converting 19 of them to match a franchise record set by Carmelo Anthony.
While Jokic’s heroics dazzled the home crowd, they weren’t enough to prevent another narrow loss to Minnesota — Denver’s sixth straight defeat to the Wolves, including postseason matchups.
Wild Ending Mars Historic Night
With under 15 seconds to go in the second overtime, the Nuggets held a 139-138 lead. Russell Westbrook appeared to seal the win after a steal and fast-break dish from Christian Braun. But his layup bounced off the rim, giving Minnesota one last shot.
In the chaos that followed, Westbrook fouled Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the corner with just 0.1 seconds left. Alexander-Walker calmly hit two of three free throws, handing Denver a crushing loss.
Coach Malone addressed the late sequence: “It’s tough. You’ve got a two-on-one break. Do you pull it out or take the layup? Easy to say after the fact. But we missed it. That’s basketball.”
MVP Debate Intensifies
Jokic is in a tight race with Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for this year’s MVP. Nights like this strengthen his case — especially when fellow stars take notice.
“Nikola Jokic might be the best basketball player I’ve ever seen up close,” said Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who had 34 points and 10 rebounds of his own. “Besides myself, of course,” he joked.
Jokic’s previous career high was 56 points in a 2022 loss at Washington. Only Nuggets legend David Thompson has scored more for the franchise — an iconic 73-point outing in 1978.
Fatigue Setting In
Despite the numbers, Jokic was quick to shift the focus away from stats. He’s already eyeing recovery ahead of Denver’s back-to-back, with the team facing San Antonio Wednesday night.
“I think we’re so used to this,” Jokic said. “Tomorrow, I’m not going to remember I played so many minutes.”
That mentality has become a signature for the Serbian big man: lead by example, leave it all on the floor, and do whatever the team needs. Still, Tuesday’s outing felt different — and not just because of the triple-double.
It was a reminder that Jokic is carrying the Nuggets through sheer brilliance, but also a sign that he can’t do it all alone.
What’s Next?
Denver will look to bounce back quickly against the Spurs, while Minnesota continues to solidify its position in the Western Conference playoff hunt. For Jokic and the Nuggets, the mission is clear: recover, regroup, and find a way to win these close battles.
Because sometimes, even 61 points aren’t enough.
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