Jokic’s Historic Christmas Night Lifts Nuggets Past Timberwolves in OT
This Christmas Day matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves turned into one of those games people will be talking about for years. What started as a high-energy holiday showdown ended as a history-making night, with Denver escaping Minnesota 142–138 in a dramatic overtime finish.
From the opening tip, it felt like something special was building. The pace was fast, the shots were falling, and neither team was willing to give an inch. Minnesota matched Denver blow for blow, led by Anthony Edwards, who looked fearless all night. Still, the story kept circling back to Nikola Jokic, who was quietly assembling a performance that would soon rewrite the record books.
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By the end of regulation, the Nuggets looked like they might steal it, but Edwards had other ideas. With the clock winding down, he drilled a buzzer-beating corner three that forced overtime and sent the crowd into a frenzy. At that moment, it felt like momentum had fully shifted toward Minnesota.
Even in overtime, things didn’t come easily for Denver. The Nuggets fell behind by as many as nine points in the extra period, and it seemed possible that Jokic’s monster effort might go to waste. But Denver stayed composed, and the comeback was slowly built possession by possession. Shots were made, stops were earned, and the game was pulled back within reach.
Then came the final push. Jokic took over in every way imaginable, scoring, rebounding, and creating opportunities for teammates. By the time the final buzzer sounded, he had finished with an almost unbelievable stat line: 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists. It was the first time in NBA history a player had ever recorded 55 or more points along with at least 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a single game. On Christmas Day, no less. Only Bernard King and Wilt Chamberlain have ever scored more points in a Christmas game.
Jamal Murray also played a huge role, pouring in 35 points and handing out 10 assists, including nine three-pointers. Despite being shorthanded, with key players missing, Denver found enough offense to survive. For Minnesota, Edwards led the way with 44 points, while Julius Randle added 32 and Jaden McDaniels chipped in 21, making it a tough loss despite the strong showing.
In the end, this wasn’t just a regular-season win. It was a statement. Denver improved to 22–8, Minnesota fell to 20–11, and Jokic’s performance only strengthened his case as an early MVP favorite. On a day meant for big moments, this game delivered one of the biggest in recent NBA memory.
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