Nikola Jokić produced one of the most remarkable performances in NBA history on Christmas Day, leading the Denver Nuggets to a dramatic overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena. With Denver missing multiple starters and momentum swinging late, Jokić delivered a complete and historic performance.
Historic Stat Line
Jokić finished the game with 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists, becoming the first player in NBA history to record at least 55 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in a single game. The combination of scoring, playmaking, and rebounding placed the performance among the greatest ever seen in the league.
By the third quarter, Jokić also logged the 179th triple-double of his career, moving within two of second place on the NBA’s all-time list.
Overtime Takeover
Denver appeared in control late in the fourth quarter before Minnesota erased a 15-point deficit and forced overtime with a last-second three-pointer. The Timberwolves briefly seized momentum at the start of the extra period.
Jokić then took over completely. He scored 18 points in overtime, setting an NBA record for the most points ever scored in a single overtime period. He went 3-for-3 from the field, 2-for-2 from three-point range, and 10-for-11 from the free-throw line to secure the win.
Carrying a Shorthanded Team
The Nuggets leaned heavily on Jokić throughout the game, playing without three regular starters due to injury. After falling behind 124–115 in overtime, Denver closed the game on an 11–2 run, driven almost entirely by Jokić’s scoring and decision-making.
Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards was ejected during overtime after receiving two technical fouls, further shifting momentum as Jokić continued to dominate.
Season Impact
The victory improved Denver’s record to 22–8, reinforcing its position among the Western Conference’s elite. Performances of this magnitude continue to define Jokić as one of the most impactful and versatile players of his era.
Conclusion
Nikola Jokić’s Christmas Day showcase combined historic production with clutch execution. By delivering a record-setting stat line and an unprecedented overtime surge, he authored one of the most memorable holiday games in NBA history.
