DENVER — Nikola Jokic recorded a 56-point triple-double and set an NBA document with 18 factors in additional time, main the Denver Nuggets to a 142-138 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night time.
Jokic broke Stephen Curry’s document of 17 additional time factors from 2016, making it the very best by any participant in common season or NBA playoffs.
Jokic added 16 rebounds and 15 assists and Jamal Murray scored 35 factors because the Nuggets improved to 3-0 this season towards the Wolves, who obtained 44 factors from Anthony Edwards, solely to see him get ejected within the additional interval for arguing foul calls.
The Nuggets received regardless of being down three starters, together with Cameron Johnson, who injured his proper knee at Dallas on Tuesday night time.
Edwards made good on his prediction for a giant Christmas night time efficiency, main Minnesota again from a 15-point deficit within the ultimate 5 1/2 minutes of regulation and hitting a twisting 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left in regulation to tie it at 126-all.
Edwards added seven fast factors because the Wolves opened the additional interval on a 9-0 run, however because the Nuggets fought again, Edwards picked up two technical fouls and was ejected.
Within the lead-up to the sport, Edwards informed ESPN: “I’m gonna have 30 factors for positive. I might need 40. Nevertheless it’s gonna be an evening.”
Within the additional interval, Jokic was 3 for 3 from the ground, together with 2 for two from lengthy vary to go together with a 10-for-11 efficiency on the foul line.
After blowing a 15-point lead within the fourth quarter, the Nuggets fell behind 124-115, however went on an 11-2 run to tie it at 126-all
The Nuggets are down three starters after Johnson hyperextended his proper knee Tuesday night time in Dallas. Johnson joined Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) on the sideline for Denver.
With Johnson out, Tim Hardaway Jr. obtained the beginning and scored 19 factors.
By the third quarter, Joker had his 179th profession triple-double, two shy of Oscar Robertson for second place in NBA historical past.
Timberwolves: Host the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday.
Nuggets: At Orlando on Saturday.
