Jokic Breaks NBA Record with 61 Points in Nuggets' Overtime Loss to Timberwolves
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Synopsis
Nikola Jokic made history with a record-breaking 61-point triple-double, but the Denver Nuggets fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves 140-139 in overtime. Despite Jokic's stellar performance, the Timberwolves secured a dramatic victory with key players absent. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry shone with 52 points, leading the Warriors past the Grizzlies.
Key Takeaways
- Nikola Jokic sets record with 61 points.
- Highest-scoring triple-double in NBA history.
- Timberwolves win despite key absences.
- Stephen Curry scores 52 points for the Warriors.
- NBA playoff implications on the line.
Denver (US), April 2 (NationPress) Nikola Jokic showcased an extraordinary performance, scoring 61 points, alongside 10 rebounds and 10 assists, establishing a new record for the highest-scoring triple-double in NBA history. Unfortunately, his efforts were insufficient to prevent the Denver Nuggets from suffering a narrow 140-139 overtime defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
With this achievement, the three-time MVP outdid the previous record set by his Nuggets teammate Russell Westbrook, who recorded a 57-point triple-double for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017.
In a tense finish, with the Nuggets ahead 139-138 in the dying seconds of overtime, Westbrook had an opportunity to secure the victory but missed a lay-up with 10 seconds left. In a dramatic turn of events, he then fouled Nickeil Alexander-Walker on a last-second three-point attempt with just 0.1 seconds to go. Alexander-Walker calmly converted two out of his three free throws, enabling the Timberwolves to complete a thrilling comeback.
The Timberwolves managed to clinch the win despite being without key players Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo, who were serving suspensions due to an altercation with the Detroit Pistons earlier that week. This victory elevated the Timberwolves to seventh in the Western Conference, while the Nuggets held their position at third.
Meanwhile, another star emerged as Stephen Curry, a two-time MVP, dazzled fans with a stunning display of three-point shooting, connecting on 12 triples and scoring 52 points in the Golden State Warriors' 134-125 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum.
This four-time NBA champion has now surpassed both LeBron James (active) and Rick Barry (retired), tying with Damian Lillard (active) for the sixth-most career 50-point games in NBA history, with a total of 15, as reported by the NBA.
As the all-time leader in made three-pointers, Curry has also entered the top 25 scorers in NBA history. Next on the scoring list is Reggie Miller, whom Curry passed in three-pointers made back in 2021, currently sitting at No. 24. The 20-through-25 group includes Alex English, Vince Carter, Kevin Garnett, and Russell Westbrook.
Curry’s remarkable performance was instrumental in moving the Warriors into fifth place in the Western Conference.
