Walker's Clutch Free Throws Secure Wild Win as Wolves Endure Jokic’s 61-Point Fury in Double Overtime
DENVER (AP) — Nickeil Alexander-Walker hit two of three free throws with 0.1 seconds remaining and the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a career-best 61-point performance from Nikola Jokic to outlast the Denver Nuggets 140-139 in double overtime on Tuesday night.
The final play concluded a wild sequence as Russell Westbrook stole the ball on one end in the closing seconds, missed a layup and then fouled Alexander-Walker in the corner. The Timberwolves guard made two and missed the third one on purpose.
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 34 points.
Jokic's 61 points were the most by a player in the NBA this season. He also had 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the third 60-point triple double in NBA history. He played 52 minutes, 38 seconds and didn't leave the floor after halftime.
Jokic made both his free throws with 13.9 seconds left to even the score at 112 in regular play. Later, he sank a floater with 7.3 seconds remaining to bring the game to a tie at 125 during the initial overtime period.
The game had a playoff intensity and featured 21 lead changes. The Timberwolves have now won six straight over the Nuggets, including playoffs.
The Timberwolves lacked Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo, who were serving suspensions. a single match organized by the league for their roles in an on-court altercation against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.
Denver didn't have Jamal Murray (hamstring) or Michael Porter Jr. (personal reasons).
Takeaways
Timberwolves: Minnesota's bench outscored the Nuggets' reserves 40-14.
Nuggets: Jokic completed 18 out of 29 shots, with six being three-pointers.
Key moment
An wild play towards the end of the second overtime occurred when Jokic was fouled by Jaden McDaniels during a jump ball scenario. Jokic converted one free throw, which put the Nuggets ahead with a score of 139-138.
Key stat
When tied or leading after the first quarter, the Nuggets fall to 18-3 at home. They had a lead of 16 points in the initial period.
Up next
On Wednesday, the Nuggets will have a home game against San Antonio, and on Thursday, the Timberwolves will be playing at Brooklyn.
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