On a Christmas night built for legends the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets gave the basketball world one of the most electrifying holiday games of all time. Played in Denver at the Nuggets home court of Ball Arena the stage was set for something special. With the NFL slate wrapped up and the spotlight fully fixed on the hardwood this was the NBA’s moment and it did not disappoint.
From the opening tip it was clear this would be a heavyweight bout. Runs were answered by counterpunches. Momentum swung back and forth. Every possession felt bigger than the last. And at the center of it all stood two superstars who refused to let their teams fall.
Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards went toe to toe in a battle that felt mythical in scope. Jokic authored one of the greatest performances ever seen on a Christmas stage pouring in 56 points 16 rebounds and 15 assists controlling the game with brute force finesse and elite basketball IQ. Every time Denver needed a play Jokic delivered a three, a post move, or a laser pass.
But Edwards matched the moment shot for shot. The Timberwolves superstar erupted for 44 points 6 rebounds and 3 assists repeatedly rescuing Minnesota when the game seemed to be slipping away. None bigger than his jaw dropping turnaround step back three from the corner with Jamal Murray draped all over him to tie the game late and send Ball Arena into disbelief. Shot after shot Ant kept the Wolves alive fearless and unshaken.
Regulation could not contain the drama. Overtime began with Minnesota striking first racing out to a quick nine point lead. Denver called timeout and that is when Jokic took over completely.
Out of the break Jokic drilled a three to cut the deficit to six. On the next possession Tim Hardaway Jr starting in place of the injured Cameron Johnson buried a massive three to make it a one possession game. After surrendering a quick two Jokic answered again with another triple. Then on the very next trip he bullied his way into the paint and tied the game sheer will carrying Denver back from the brink.
The defining moment came on the possession that followed. A loose pass skidded into the backcourt igniting a frantic scramble between Jokic and Rudy Gobert. A loose ball foul was initially called on Jokic but Denver challenged and won. The call was reversed onto Gobert. From there the Nuggets seized control.
Minnesota never reclaimed the lead despite Edwards continuing to land clutch shots to keep hope alive. Denver closed the door escaping with a 142 to 138 overtime victory on one of the grandest stages the league offers.
Jamal Murray added 35 points in a huge supporting performance for Denver while Julius Randle’s 32 points kept Minnesota dangerous all night. But this game will forever belong to the stars at the center.
Nikola Jokic reminded the world why he is the best player in the NBA right now regardless of what anyone thinks he is literally unstoppable. Anthony Edwards showed once again that the moment is never too big delivering late game heroics that nearly stole the night.
On Christmas with the entire sports world watching the NBA delivered a classic.
Final Nuggets 142 Timberwolves 138 overtime
Denver improves to 22-8 Minnesota falls to 20-11
A game for the ages.