Jokic Drops 56-Point Triple-Double in Nuggets 142-138 Win vs Timberwolves

Jokic Drops 56-Point Triple-Double in Nuggets 142-138 Win vs Timberwolves/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Nikola Jokic delivered a 56-point triple-double and set an NBA record for most points in overtime as the Denver Nuggets edged the Minnesota Timberwolves 142-138. Jokic added 16 rebounds and 15 assists in the thrilling win. The Nuggets overcame a late collapse and three missing starters to remain unbeaten against Minnesota this season.

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray grimaces after losing control of the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, front, drives past Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Jokic’s Record Night Leads Nuggets Past Timberwolves in Overtime: Quick Looks

  • Nikola Jokic scored 56 points, added 16 rebounds and 15 assists
  • Jokic set NBA record with 18 points in overtime
  • Nuggets beat Timberwolves 142-138 in a thrilling OT battle
  • Anthony Edwards scored 44 for Minnesota, ejected in overtime
  • Denver missing three starters, including Cameron Johnson (knee)
  • Jamal Murray added 35 points for the Nuggets
  • Minnesota erased a 15-point deficit to force OT
  • Jokic now has 179 career triple-doubles, 2 behind Oscar Robertson
  • Nuggets improved to 3-0 this season vs Timberwolves
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, front, dribbles past Minnesota Timberwolves center Julius Randle in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Deep Look: Jokic Drops 56-Point Triple-Double as Nuggets Outlast Timberwolves in Overtime

DENVER — Nikola Jokic once again proved why he’s one of the NBA’s all-time greats. On Thursday night, the Denver Nuggets superstar posted a 56-point triple-doublecarrying his team to a 142-138 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves and delivering one of the most remarkable performances of his career.

Jokic’s final stat line:

  • 56 points
  • 16 rebounds
  • 15 assists

That effort included an NBA-record 18 points in overtimebreaking the previous mark of 17 set by Stephen Curry in 2016. Jokic shot 3-for-3 from the floor in the extra period, including 2-for-2 from three-point rangeand went 10-for-11 from the free-throw line.

“It was just one of those nights,” Jokic said postgame. “We needed it. We were short-handed, and I had to step up.”

Nuggets Survive Wolves Comeback

Despite leading by 15 points with just over five minutes left in regulation, Denver found itself needing overtime to get the win. Anthony Edwardswho scored 44 pointsled Minnesota’s comeback and tied the game at 115-115 with a stunning twisting three-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

Edwards came out hot in overtime, scoring seven straight points as the Timberwolves opened on a 9-0 run. But his night unraveled just as quickly — two technical fouls for arguing with officials led to his ejectionand momentum swung back to Denver.

Short-Handed, Still Dangerous

The Nuggets entered the game without three starters:

  • Cameron Johnson (knee)
  • Aaron Gordon (hamstring)
  • Christian Braun (ankle)

Tim Hardaway Jr. started in place of Johnson and contributed 19 points.

Despite the depleted lineup, Jamal Murray gave Jokic critical support with 35 pointsincluding several clutch buckets down the stretch. The team’s resilience was on full display as they overcame both injuries and a blown lead to secure the win.

Jokic Nears More History

Jokic’s latest masterpiece was his 179th career triple-doubleputting him just two behind Oscar Robertson for second-most in NBA history. The all-time leader remains Russell Westbrookbut Jokic’s consistency and dominance at the center position continue to redefine what’s possible for a big man in the modern game.

“He does it all,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. “He scores, he creates, he defends. He’s rewriting the record books.”

Up Next

  • Timberwolves: Return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday
  • Nuggets: Head to Florida to face the Orlando Magic on Saturday

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