Nikola Jokic delivered a phenomenal performance on Thursday night, racking up a 56-point triple-double to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 142-138 overtime victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jokic set a new NBA record with 18 points in overtime, eclipsing Stephen Curry's 2016 record of 17 points in a single overtime period during the regular season or playoffs.

Historic Overtime Performance

The Serbian basketball star also added 16 rebounds and 15 assists to his stat line, demonstrating his multifaceted impact on the court. Jokic's flawless overtime shooting included three successful field goal attempts, two of which were from beyond the arc, as well as a near-perfect 10-for-11 from the free-throw line.

The game unfolded in dramatic fashion as the Nuggets, despite missing three starters including Cameron Johnson, who suffered a knee injury in Dallas, overcame a spirited comeback from the Timberwolves. Minnesota's Anthony Edwards, who had boldly predicted a standout performance, delivered 44 points. However, his night ended with an ejection during overtime for disputing foul calls.

Nuggets Resilience Amidst Adversity

Denver faced significant challenges, missing not only Johnson but also Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun due to injuries. Nevertheless, the team showcased remarkable resilience. Jamal Murray contributed heavily to the win with his 35-point performance, while Tim Hardaway Jr. stepped up as a starter, adding 19 points to the scoreboard.

The game was a rollercoaster, with the Nuggets squandering a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter. However, Jokic's leadership was unwavering as he orchestrated an 11-2 run that brought Denver back level at 126-all after falling behind 124-115 in overtime.

Edwards' Rollercoaster Evening

Anthony Edwards had a remarkable game, almost living up to his pre-game boast on ESPN. His prediction of netting 30 or even 40 points was overshadowed by his actual performance, yet his ejection marked a tumultuous end. Edwards had spearheaded Minnesota's revival, tying the game at 115 with a clutch three-pointer in regulation's dying seconds and scoring early in overtime before being removed from play.

Looking Ahead

As the Nuggets savor this memorable win, they face the Orlando Magic in their next game. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will look to regroup when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, hoping to learn from a thrilling but ultimately disappointing contest.