The Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 142-138 in overtime on Christmas Day at Ball Arena, despite missing three starters. Nikola Jokić recorded a historic 56-point triple-double with an NBA-record 18 points in overtime, while Anthony Edwards had 44 points before being ejected.
Nikola Jokić led the Denver Nuggets to a dramatic 142-138 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night, Dec. 25, 2025, at Ball Arena in Denver. Jokić’s exceptional performance of 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists, including an NBA-record 18 points in overtime, turned the game around despite Minnesota’s late rally. Anthony Edwards contributed 44 points for the Timberwolves, who led in overtime but collapsed after Edwards was ejected for two technical fouls.
Jokić’s historic performance secures Nuggets victory
According to the Associated Press (AP), Nikola Jokić recorded a 56-point triple-double and set an NBA record with 18 points in overtime, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 142-138 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jokić was 3-of-3 from the field in overtime, including 2-of-2 from the 3-point line, and 10-of-11 from the free throw line. CBS Sports reports that the Nuggets won despite missing three starters: Cameron Johnson with a right knee injury from the game against Dallas earlier in the week, Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle).
As reported by CBS Sports for the AP, Tim Hardaway Jr., who started in place of Johnson, scored 19 points. Jokić recorded his 179th career triple-double in the third quarter, two shy of Oscar Robertson for second in NBA history. Jamal Murray contributed 35 points, 10 assists and nine 3-pointers, according to the NBA’s official highlights on YouTube.
Edwards’ dominance and Timberwolves’ recovery
Anthony Edwards lived up to his prediction, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves back from a 15-point deficit with 5.5 minutes left in regulation, according to CBS Sports. Edwards hit a twisted 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to tie the game at 115-115 and started overtime with seven quick points in a 9-0 run. Edwards finished with 44 points, 6 rebounds and 5 3-pointers, according to the NBA’s YouTube summary.
Edwards’ ejection turns overtime
In overtime, Edwards picked up two technical fouls and was ejected, which, according to CBS Sports, helped the Timberwolves lose a 124-115 deficit after the Nuggets’ 11-2 rush to 126-126. Edwards had told ESPN before the game: “I’m gonna have 30 points for sure. I might have 40. But it’s gonna be a night.” His performance lived up to the words, but it wasn’t enough for victory.
Injuries and the teams’ situation affect the match picture
The Denver Nuggets struggled without Cameron Johnson, who hyperextended his right knee against Dallas on Tuesday, according to the AP via CBS Sports. Johnson joined Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun on the injured list, but the Nuggets showed depth with Hardaway Jr.’s performance. The Minnesota Timberwolves, who fell to 20-11 in record while the Nuggets improved to 22-8, according to NBA Highlights.
The game, which took place at Ball Arena in Denver on Christmas Day, a traditional holiday for NBA basketball, was one of the most dramatic in the series. Earlier in the game, the Nuggets led by seven points in the third quarter, but the Timberwolves responded with strong defense and scoring from Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle, who scored 27 points, according to highlights from FreeDawkins on YouTube.
Future matches and season implications
According to CBS Sports, the Timberwolves will face the Brooklyn Nets at home on Saturday, while the Nuggets travel to Orlando on Saturday. The win solidifies the Nuggets’ position in the Western Conference, despite injuries, and underscores Jokić’s dominance as one of the league’s best players. The Timberwolves’ loss comes after a strong start to the season, but Edwards’ suspension highlights disciplinary challenges.
In summary, the game resulted in a 142-138 overtime victory for the Denver Nuggets over the Minnesota Timberwolves, driven by Nikola Jokić’s record-breaking performance, while Anthony Edwards’ 44 points were not enough for the visitors after the ejection. Facts are based on reports from AP, CBS Sports and official NBA sources.
