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Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić had an extra special Christmas this year.
In the Nuggets’ 142-138 overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday at Ball Arena, Jokić made history. The 30-year-old center had 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists in the win, becoming the first player in NBA history to record at least 55 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a single game.
Jokić also scored 18 points in overtime, setting an NBA record for most points scored in overtime in one game.
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić (15) during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Dec. 25, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
The Nuggets needed every bit of Jokić’s stellar performance in the win, as the team was down three of its regular starters due to injury.
It looked like the Nuggets would prevail with a 15-point lead late in the fourth quarter, but the Timberwolves stormed back. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves back from the deficit in the final 5 ½ minutes of regulation, hitting a twisting 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left in regulation to tie it at 115-all.
Edwards added seven quick points as the Wolves opened the overtime period on a 9-0 run, but as the Nuggets battled back, Edwards picked up two technical fouls and was ejected.
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić (15) makes a three-point shot in overtime against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Dec. 25, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
And then Jokić took over.
In the extra period, Jokić was 3-for-3 from the floor, including 2-for-2 from long range to go with a 10-for-11 performance at the foul line.
After blowing a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Nuggets fell behind 124-115 but went on an 11-2 run to tie it at 126-all.
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić (15) reacts during overtime against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Dec. 25, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
In the third quarter, Jokić had his 179th career triple-double, two shy of Oscar Robertson for second in NBA history.
The Nuggets, who improved to 22-8 with the win, play the Orlando Magic (17-13) on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
