In a stunning display of talent, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić has solidified his status as a frontrunner for this season’s Kia MVP award by scoring a remarkable career-high of 61 points. This performance marks the highest point total achieved by any player this season. Jokić showcased his extraordinary skills during an intense matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he played an exhausting 53 minutes, ultimately resulting in a close 140-139 double-overtime loss for the Nuggets.
Not only did Jokić score 61 points, but he also recorded an impressive 10 rebounds and 10 assists, achieving the highest triple-double in NBA history. This feat puts him in elite company, joining the ranks of legends like Luka Doncic and James Harden, who each had 60-point triple-doubles in previous seasons. As the 2024-25 season unfolds, Jokić is on track to become the first player in NBA history to finish in the top three for scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals, further emphasizing his all-around game.
Jokić's historic night was not the only highlight in the league, as Warriors guard Stephen Curry also made headlines by scoring 52 points, including 12 three-pointers, which helped him surpass Jerry West on the NBA all-time scoring list. Jokić's previous career best was 56 points, a record he set during a loss against Washington on December 7. The franchise record remains with David Thompson, who scored 73 points against Detroit back on April 9, 1978.
Following the game, Nuggets coach Michael Malone praised Jokić, stating, “The guy’s Superman. He’s on a whole other level, man. People say he’s not athletic, but not many guys can do what he does.” Jokić’s performance also drew admiration from Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards, who noted, “Nikola Jokić, he might be the best basketball player that I have ever seen close up, besides myself. He is incredible. The MVP race is tough. I don’t know. He had 60. That is crazy.” Edwards himself had a strong showing with 34 points and 10 rebounds.
While Jokić's remarkable performance will be a highlight for Nuggets fans, the game ended in disappointment as it marked the Nuggets' sixth consecutive loss to the Timberwolves, including playoff matchups. The final moments of the game featured a chaotic sequence where Russell Westbrook stole the ball, missed a layup, and then fouled Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who subsequently made two free throws and intentionally missed a third.
The Denver Nuggets currently sit at No. 3 in the Western Conference standings, just two games behind the No. 2 Rockets, with only six games remaining in the regular season. As the team prepares to host the Spurs on Wednesday night in Denver at 9 PM ET (League Pass), there’s little time for rest. Jokić and his teammates will need to regroup quickly as they aim to improve their playoff positioning.
