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The NBA didn’t disappoint on Christmas Day.
From witnessing the New York Knicks’ improbable 17-point fourth quarter comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers to watching the San Antonio Spurs pick apart the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on the road, NBA fans don’t have much, if anything, to complain about quality-wise.
The last game of the night was easily the most entertaining, as the Denver Nuggets overcame a nine-point overtime deficit vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves (Anthony Edwards’ heroic corner three helped Minnesota tie the game at the end of regulation) to secure an exhilarating 142-138 home victory.
Nikola Jokic, unsurprisingly, was his usual unstoppable self, as the three-time MVP finished the contest with 56 points, 16 rebounds, 15 assists, and two blocks while shooting 71.4% from the field and 66.7% from three.
In the process, Jokic broke a historic Stephen Curry record.
“Most points scored in an overtime period in NBA history: Nikola Jokic - 18 (tonight), Stephen Curry - 17,” Underdog NBA stated on X/Twitter.
The Timberwolves did their best to force Jokic out of his comfort zone on Thursday night. However, for Chris Finch’s crew, Jokic plays at his own pace and isn’t a one-dimensional contributor who can be easily neutralized.
The former second-round pick is among the best pick-and-pop centers in the league, a mismatch for smaller defenders who try their hand at defending him near the free-throw line area, and a majestic passer on the move.
Simply put, Jokic is a force to be reckoned with in the big leagues, and that shouldn’t change anytime soon.
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