Hua Zi scored 44 points and hit a near game-tying shot but couldn't save the team; Jokic recorded a 56-point triple-double as the Nuggets narrowly defeated the Timberwolves in overtime.

On December 26 Beijing time, the NBA regular season featured a Christmas showdown with the Timberwolves visiting the Nuggets. After a fierce battle, the Nuggets edged out the Timberwolves 142-138 in overtime, marking their third consecutive win over this opponent this season. Jokic posted 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists, while Edwards scored 44 points and hit a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds of the fourth quarter to force overtime.

Statistical Summary

For the Nuggets, Jokic contributed 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists; Murray added 35 points, 2 rebounds, and 10 assists; Hardaway scored 19 points with 4 rebounds; Jones finished with 12 points and 8 rebounds.

For the Timberwolves, Edwards scored 44 points, with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals; Randle put up 32 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals; McDaniels contributed 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists; Reid had 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists; Gobert recorded 9 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 blocks.

Game Progression

At the start of the first quarter, Jokic opened with a three-pointer, but the Timberwolves quickly responded as Edwards scored both from outside and inside, leading a scoring run that gave his team a 5-point advantage. Then Murray and Watson hit consecutive threes, and Jokic completed a three-point play to tie the game at 22-22. Towards the end of the quarter, both teams exchanged points through free throws and jump shots. After the first quarter, the Nuggets led 32-29 by 3 points. In the second quarter, the Nuggets started with a 6-0 run, but the Timberwolves quickly countered with a 17-0 burst sparked by McDaniels and Reid’s inside and outside scoring, flipping the momentum and taking the lead. Murray’s consecutive three-pointers stopped the bleeding for Denver, and Jokic’s three-point play helped the Nuggets regain the lead. Both teams then scored alternating jump shots before halftime. At the break, the Nuggets led 57-55, with Jokic tallying 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Edwards and Randle each had 14 points.

After the break, the Nuggets started strong offensively with contributions from multiple players, going on a 12-4 run to extend their lead to 10 points. Hardaway and Murray then hit back-to-back three-pointers, pushing Denver’s advantage to 16 points. The Timberwolves responded with a 7-0 run, closing the gap. Near the end of the quarter, the Timberwolves tried to spark another comeback, but the Nuggets held firm. After three quarters, Denver was ahead by 14 points. In the final quarter, the Timberwolves opened with a 9-4 run, but the Nuggets maintained control, led by Murray and Jokic. Jokic’s hook shot extended the lead to 15 points. The Timberwolves then scored in quick succession, narrowing the deficit to 4 points. Jokic scored again, but Edwards answered with 5 consecutive points to bring the score within one. In the closing moments, the Nuggets scored 5 points, followed by 5 points from the Timberwolves. In the final seconds, Jokic made two free throws, and Edwards hit a near buzzer-beating three-pointer to tie the game at 115-115, sending the match into overtime.

In overtime, Edwards made several shots in a row, leading the Timberwolves to a 9-0 run. The Nuggets quickly responded with an 11-2 run led by Jokic to even the score. Jokic made two free throws, Edwards answered with one, then Murray hit a crucial three-pointer to give Denver a 3-point lead. In the final seconds, Jokic sank free throws to seal the victory for the Nuggets, while Edwards received multiple technical fouls and was ejected.

Starting Lineups

Nuggets: Jokic, Murray, Jones, Watson, Hardaway

Timberwolves: Edwards, Gobert, Randle, DiVincenzo, McDaniels