On Christmas Day, Nikola Jokic recorded a 56-point triple-double and set an NBA record with 18 points in overtime, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 142-138 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
A seven-time NBA All-Star, Jokic is the first player in NBA history to record at least 55 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a game.
The Serbian broke Stephen Curry’s record of 17 points in overtime set in 2016, making him the most by a player in the regular season or NBA playoffs.
Jokic had 16 rebounds and 15 assists, Jamal Murray had 35 points, and the Nuggets improved to 3-0 this season against the Timberwolves, who got 44 points from Anthony Edwards, but were ejected for a foul call in overtime.
The Nuggets won despite missing three starters, including Cameron Johnson, who injured his right knee Tuesday night against Dallas.
Edwards lived up to his expectations on the big stage on Christmas night, rallying Minnesota from a 15-point deficit with 5 1/2 minutes left in regulation, then making a twisty 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 115-15.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic made NBA history with his incredible Christmas performance
Edwards added seven quick points as the Wolves opened the overtime period on a 9-0 run, but as the Nuggets fought back, Edwards picked up two technical fouls and was ejected.
Jokic made 3 of 3 shots from the floor in overtime, including 2 of 3 from long range, and 10 of 11 from near the foul line. The Nuggets trailed by 15 points in the fourth quarter, trailing 124-115, but went on an 11-2 run to tie the game at 126-126.
The Nuggets are down three starters after Johnson hyperextended his right knee Tuesday night in Dallas. Johnson joined Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) on Denver’s sideline.
With Johnson out, Tim Hardaway Jr. started and scored 19 points. By the third quarter, Joker had recorded his 179th career triple-double, ranking him second in NBA history, two behind Oscar Robertson.
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