Nikola Jokić delivered a performance for the ages, becoming only the second player in NBA history to record a 29-point, 18-rebound, 16-assist triple-double as the Denver Nuggets edged out the Brooklyn Nets 144-139 in overtime, CNN reports.
Jokić, who achieved this remarkable feat for the first time since Oscar Robertson accomplished it in 1962, single-handedly willed the Nuggets back from a 17-point first-half deficit. His clutch hook shot with under nine seconds remaining in regulation tied the game at 125-125, sending the game into overtime.
The Nuggets, playing their second straight overtime game after Monday’s win over the Toronto Raptors, received contributions from across the board. Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray each tallied 24 points, while Russell Westbrook added 22 off the bench.
The Nets, despite seven players scoring in double figures, were unable to overcome Jokić’s dominance. Dennis Schröder led the team with 28 points and 14 assists, while Cam Thomas contributed 26 and Cameron Johnson added 20.
Dončić’s Clutch Shot Sinks Timberwolves
Luka Dončić continued his reign of terror over the Minnesota Timberwolves, drilling a late three-pointer to secure a 120-114 victory for the Dallas Mavericks. Dončić, who haunted the Timberwolves in last season’s Western Conference Finals, finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 35 points, while Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 37 points and six rebounds. The Timberwolves, who traded Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in the offseason, struggled to contain Dončić’s late-game heroics.
Warriors Rally to Beat Pelicans
The Golden State Warriors overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 124-106 in a thrilling game that saw the Warriors rally without the injured Steph Curry.
With Curry sidelined due to a sprained left ankle, Buddy Hield stepped up for the Warriors, leading the team with 28 points and 7-of-11 shooting from three-point range. Lindy Waters III provided a surprising and welcome boost with 21 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 31 points, while Brandon Ingram added 30. However, the Pelicans’ inconsistent shooting in the second quarter allowed the Warriors to close the deficit and take control of the game in the third quarter.
