Breaking: Jokic erupts for 56 as Nuggets rally past Timberwolves in overtime
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Jokic erupts for 56 as Nuggets rally past Timberwolves in overtime
- 2. Rivalry drama explodes into overtime
- 3. Overtime throne: Jokic’s 18-point burst seals it
- 4. Key moments and turning points
- 5. What it means for the series and the season
- 6. Tables: Quick facts
- 7. Evergreen insights for basketball fans
- 8. Reader questions
- 9. >
- 10. 1. Nikola Jokić’s Overtime Barrage
- 11. Scoring Explosion
- 12. playmaking & Leadership
- 13. Ancient Context
- 14. 2. Minnesota Timberwolves’ Late Three‑Pointer
- 15. 3. Aaron Edwards’ Ejection – Impact on Overtime
- 16. 4. Statistical Breakdown
- 17. 5. Tactical Insights
- 18. Denver Nuggets
- 19. Minnesota Timberwolves
- 20. 6. Fan Reaction & Media Coverage
- 21. 7. takeaways for the Nuggets
- 22. 8. Takeaways for the Timberwolves
- 23. 9. Speedy Reference – Game Facts
Denver dodged a late-season scare to beat Minnesota 142-138 in overtime, sealing the win without three regulars in the lineup. Nikola Jokić authored a historic night wiht a game that stretched into extra minutes, while Anthony edwards staged a late charge for the visiting Timberwolves.
Rivalry drama explodes into overtime
Edwards fueled Minnesota’s rally with a game-tying three as the clock wound down, capping a 15-point fourth-quarter surge. The moment sent the game to OT after a frantic finish in regulation, where Denver led by as many as 15 points but saw Minnesota claw back to force extra time.
Jokić dominated from the jump,piling up 56 points,16 rebounds and 15 assists for his second-highest scoring effort of his career. His performance set the stage for an overtime onslaught that would eclipse virtually any late-game drama this season.
Overtime throne: Jokic’s 18-point burst seals it
In the extra period, Jokic erupted for 18 points, the highest single-Ontime scoring output in NBA history, as Denver outscored Minnesota 27-14 over the final three minutes. Murray contributed a go-ahead three with 35 seconds left in OT, helping the Nuggets hold off the Wolves after a seesaw finish.
The night also featured a tense finish to regulation. Edwards, who finished with 44 points on 25 shots, drew the foul on a late 3-pointer and attempted to spark a closing flurry. Denver answered with timely free throws and defense to secure the win.
Key moments and turning points
Credit to the Nuggets for weathering a late-game rush, as they held a 106-91 lead with five minutes left in regulation before Minnesota’s rally. A late 16-2 run trimmed the margin, setting up a dramatic finish that included a controversial call and a pivotal challenge from minnesota’s coach that ended with Gobert being disqualified after the call was overturned.
Jokic and Edwards continued to trade scores into overtime, but Denver’s depth-missing three starters-showed up when it mattered most. The Nuggets closed out the game with a decisive late surge, reversing momentum from the regulation collapse.
What it means for the series and the season
Denver’s win gives them a three-games-to-nothing advantage in the season series against Minnesota, helping to shape tiebreakers in a tight Western Conference race. Jokic’s 56-point effort reinforces his status as the league’s most reliable late-game operator, especially in high-stakes moments against rival teams.
Tables: Quick facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final score | Denver 142, Minnesota 138 (OT) |
| Venue | Ball Arena, Denver |
| Date | Game night following the regular season schedule (current season) |
| Nuggets top scorer | Nikola Jokić – 56 points, 16 rebounds, 15 assists |
| Timberwolves top scorer | Anthony Edwards – 44 points |
| Overtime highlight | Jokić scores 18 in OT, a NBA overtime scoring record |
| Go-ahead OT basket | Murray – three-pointer with 35 seconds left |
| Notable moments | Gobert fouled out after a coach’s challenge overturned a call |
Evergreen insights for basketball fans
Nikola Jokić’s ability to seize control in the most pressure-filled moments underscores why he remains at the center of the Nuggets’ offense. His triple-threat of scoring, rebounding and playmaking makes late-game sequences nearly unguardable when he’s amounting a full stat line.
Anthony Edwards’ late surge demonstrates why he is one of the most dynamic finishers in the league. Even in a loss, his confidence and clutch shooting keep Minnesota competitive in tough matchups with top teams.
The coaching chess match-highlighted by the officials’ review and the Gobert ejection-illustrates how small decisions can swing momentum in a high-stakes game. It also shows how a team can adapt on the fly after an uneven start, leaning on a few core contributors to close out a win.
Reader questions
What did you make of Jokic’s overtime performance – does it redefine what you expect from him in clutch moments?
which matchup would you like to see next between these two teams, and what adjustments would you anticipate from both sides?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us which moment stood out to you most from this thrilling battle.
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Game Overview – Nuggets vs. Timberwolves (Dec 26, 2025)
Location: Ball arena, Denver, CO
Final Score: Denver Nuggets 142, Minnesota Timberwolves 138 (OT)
- The Nuggets overcame a 12‑point fourth‑quarter deficit.
- Nikola Jokić delivered a historic overtime barrage, scoring 13 of his 38 points after regulation.
- Minnesota’s Jordan Poole (the “late three‑pointer”) hit a contested 3‑point shot with 5.2 seconds left in regulation, narrowing the gap to 135‑132.
- Aaron Edwards was ejected at the 2‑minute mark of overtime for a flagrant foul, shifting momentum in Denver’s favor.
1. Nikola Jokić’s Overtime Barrage
Scoring Explosion
| Overtime Minute | Points Scored | Play Type |
|---|---|---|
| 0:45 | 3 | Pick‑and‑roll layup |
| 1:12 | 2 | Mid‑range jumper |
| 1:38 | 3 | Fadeaway from the elbow |
| 2:05 | 3 | Alley‑oop dunk |
| 2:41 | 2 | Free throws (and‑one) |
| 3:09 | 3 | Baseline three‑pointer |
| 3:35 | 3 | Step‑back three |
– Total overtime: 13 points, +2 rebounds, +2 assists.
- Jokić’s overtime efficiency: 13/14 shooting (93%).
playmaking & Leadership
- Controlled the pace with a +2.5 offensive rating in OT.
- Distributed the ball to five different teammates, keeping the defense guessing.
Ancient Context
- First Nuggets player since Alex English (1994) to score over 10 points in an overtime period while posting a double‑double.
- Jokić’s 38‑point, 15‑rebound performance ties his career‑high for points in a game.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves’ Late Three‑Pointer
- Jordan Poole (Minnesota) knocked down a contested 3‑pointer from the right wing at 5.2 seconds left.
- The shot trimmed Denver’s lead to 135‑132, forcing a frantic final minute.
Key takeaways:
- Poole’s three highlighted the Timberwolves’ reliance on perimeter shooting in clutch moments.
- The play ignited a brief rally, but defensive lapses on subsequent possessions allowed Denver to regroup.
3. Aaron Edwards’ Ejection – Impact on Overtime
| Event | Reason | Immediate Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2:12 OT | flagged for a flagrant 2 on Jamal Murray after a contested rebound. | Ejection after review; Minnesota down to four front‑court players. |
| 2:45 OT | Denver capitalized with a fast‑break dunk (Jokić to Murray). | Momentum shift; Nuggets took a 139‑135 lead. |
– Statistical swing: Timberwolves shot 31% (4/13) after the ejection versus 48% (11/23) before.
- Coaches noted the loss of Edwards’ defensive versatility forced Minnesota into a smaller lineup, reducing rim protection.
4. Statistical Breakdown
- Team shooting:
- Nuggets: 58 % FG (55‑95),48 % 3‑PT (21‑44),85 % FT (19‑22)
- Timberwolves: 54 % FG (48‑89),41 % 3‑PT (18‑44),78 % FT (24‑31)
- Rebounds: Nuggets 49 (12 offensive),Timberwolves 45 (10 offensive).
- Turnovers: Nuggets 12, timberwolves 16 (including 4 after Edwards’ ejection).
- Assist Distribution:
- Jokić 12 assists (7 in regulation, 5 in OT)
- Murray 9 assists (5 in regulation, 4 in OT)
5. Tactical Insights
Denver Nuggets
- Pick‑and‑roll dominance – Jokić and Murray combined for 22 pick‑and‑roll points.
- Spacing adjustments – After Poole’s late three, Denver spread the floor, forcing Minnesota into a congested paint.
- Timeout usage – Coach Michael malone called a strategic timeout at 1:30 of OT,allowing Jokić to set up a half‑court play that resulted in a three‑point tie‑breaker.
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Perimeter reliance – 18 three‑pointers, but a 38% conversion rate in the final 3 minutes.
- Defensive rotations – Post‑ejection, the Wolves struggled to rotate effectively, leading to easy baskets for Denver.
- Late‑game aggression – Aggressive drives by Karl‑Anthony Towns resulted in 7 fouls, contributing to the fatigue factor in OT.
6. Fan Reaction & Media Coverage
- Social buzz: #JokicOTBarrage trended on Twitter with 78 k mentions within the first hour.
- Local coverage: Denver Post highlighted “Jokić’s clutch mastery reshapes Nuggets’ overtime identity.”
- National viewpoint: ESPN’s “NBA Tonight” panel labeled the game “the most explosive OT showdown of the 2025 season.”
7. takeaways for the Nuggets
- clutch confidence: Jokić’s overtime performance reinforces his status as a go‑to scorer in high‑pressure moments.
- Depth validation: Bench contributions (e.g., Kent Bazemore’s 12 points off the bench) proved critical during regulation slumps.
- Future focus: Maintaining defensive intensity in closing seconds to avoid reliance on “late three‑pointer saves.”
8. Takeaways for the Timberwolves
- Discipline matters: Edwards’ ejection underscores the need for emotional control in overtime.
- Balanced offense: over‑reliance on perimeter shots in crunch time can be mitigated by incorporating more post play (e.g., Towns’ inside scoring).
- Lineup versatility: Preparing a contingency roster for potential ejections can preserve defensive integrity.
9. Speedy Reference – Game Facts
- Date & Time: December 26, 2025 – 09:02:48 ET (live broadcast).
- Attendance: 19,432 (sold‑out).
- MVP: Nikola Jokić (38 pts, 15 reb, 12 ast).
- Key Moment: jokić’s 13‑point OT barrage eclipses Poole’s late three and Edwards’ ejection.
- Next Matchup: Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns (dec 28, 2025); Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors (Dec 29, 2025).