Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic continued his dominant season with his 35th triple-double, leading his team to a 128-112 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a historic win, defeating the Boston Celtics 102-92 on the road – their first win in Boston since March 2005. These results highlight a dynamic day in the NBA, showcasing both individual brilliance and team resilience.
Jokic, a three-time MVP (2021, 2022, and 2024), finished with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists, solidifying his position as one of the league’s most versatile and impactful players. The Nuggets’ performance was further boosted by the return of Peyton Watson, who had been sidelined since February 4th with a hamstring injury, contributing 14 points in just under 20 minutes of play. Denver’s strong offensive showing allowed them to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the game, improving their record to 44 wins and 28 losses, just behind the Houston Rockets (43-27) in the Western Conference standings.
The Timberwolves’ victory over the Celtics was particularly notable given their absence of key player Anthony Edwards, who is currently dealing with a knee injury and is expected to be re-evaluated in the coming days. Despite Edwards’ absence, Minnesota managed to overcome a tough opponent, ending a 21-year losing streak at TD Garden. Bones Hyland led the Timberwolves in scoring with 23 points, while Rudy Gobert added 9 points and 14 rebounds. The win brings Minnesota’s record to 44-28, tying them with the Nuggets in the Western Conference.
French Rookies Shine
Several French players also made significant contributions across the league on Sunday. Sacramento Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud had a standout performance, scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the Kings’ 126-122 win against the Brooklyn Nets. Raynaud was one of three French players to start in the game, alongside Killian Hayes for the Kings and Nolan Traoré for the Nets. Hayes finished with 2 points and 4 rebounds, while Traoré contributed 17 points and 4 assists.
Elsewhere, Bilal Coulibaly recorded 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 passes, 3 interceptions, and 2 blocks for the Washington Wizards in their 145-113 loss to the New York Knicks, led by Karl-Anthony Towns’ 26 points and 16 rebounds.
Jokic Closing in on Triple-Double Record
Nikola Jokic’s 35th triple-double of the season brings him closer to the NBA record held by Russell Westbrook, who has 209 triple-doubles throughout his career. Westbrook, now playing for the Sacramento Kings at age 37, was previously a teammate of Jokic in Denver. CBS Sports reports that the Nuggets never trailed in the game against the Trail Blazers, demonstrating their control and efficiency.
The Timberwolves’ win in Boston was a testament to their resilience and depth, overcoming the absence of their star player. Sportsnet highlighted the significance of Bones Hyland’s performance in securing the victory.
Looking Ahead
The Denver Nuggets will seem to continue their strong form as they travel to face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. The Minnesota Timberwolves will return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. The performance of Anthony Edwards will be closely monitored as the Timberwolves navigate the remainder of the season and prepare for the playoffs. The continued success of young players like Maxime Raynaud and Bilal Coulibaly will also be a key storyline to watch as the NBA season progresses.
What are your thoughts on Jokic’s incredible season and the Timberwolves’ historic win? Share your opinions in the comments below!
