Nikola Jokic Delivers Record 56-16-15 Line as Nuggets Outlast Timberwolves in Overtime
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Nikola Jokic produced the first 55-15-15 stat line in NBA history on Thursday, pouring in 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists to lift the Denver Nuggets to a 132-123 overtime victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
The two-time MVP hit 15 of 21 shots and went 22-for-23 at the foul line. Denver surrendered a 15-point lead with five minutes left in regulation and saw a six-point edge disappear in the final 35 seconds before Anthony Edwards’ corner three sent the game to overtime. Minnesota opened the extra period with a 9-0 burst, but Denver closed on a 27-14 run over the last three minutes.
“I didn’t think we were completely out of it,” head coach David Adelman said. “You just felt like there were more moments to the game if we could get ourselves back into it.”
Johnson Sidelined 4–6 Weeks
The Nuggets confirmed forward Cameron Johnson suffered a bone bruise in his left knee with no structural damage. He is expected to miss four to six weeks, leaving Denver without three regular starters.
“You have an intelligent guesstimation of a new rotation,” Adelman explained. “I feel for Cam—his trajectory was going up. He was helping bridge the gap between the starters and the second unit.”
Gordon and Braun Nearing Returns
Aaron Gordon, limited to one appearance since Nov. 17 because of a strained right hamstring, and Christian Braun, out since Nov. 12 with a sprained left ankle, completed on-court workouts Thursday. Adelman emphasized the team will not rush either player.
“Just because other guys got hurt, you can’t hurry their process,” he said. “I like the group we have. All year long, there’s been no crazy ups and downs emotionally.”
Roster Options Ahead
With an open roster spot, Denver could wait until Jan. 5, when 10-day contracts become available, before adding help, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. The club also holds $6.9 million and $5.4 million trade exceptions but has limited draft assets—no first-round picks and only two seconds—to include in potential deals.
Source: Hoops Rumors
