Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic had a stat line on Thursday night that has never been done in NBA history.
Jokic had 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists in a 142-138 OT win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is the first player in NBA history to have 55+ points, 15+ rebounds and 15+ assists in a game.
Jokic's 56-point night ranks third on the NBA's Christmas Day game scoring list. He only trails Bernard King (60) and Wilt Chamberlain (59) for most in a game on the holiday.
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards hit a buzzer-beating corner three to force overtime. The Nuggets trailed by as many as nine points in the extra period but battled back to earn the win.
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He was not the only Nugget who had a memorable night. Jamal Murray finished with 35 points and 10 assists. He shot 12/32 from the field, including a 9/18 performance from deep. Tim Hardaway Jr. Scored added 19 points.
Edwards led Minnesota with 44 points. Julius Randle scored 32, while Jaden McDaniels had 21 points and four assists.
The shorthanded Nuggets were without Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun against the Timberwolves. It was announced before the game that Johnson will miss significant time due to a knee injury.
Jokic's performance strengthens his case as the early MVP favorite. The three-time MVP finished runner-up to Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander last season. The two stars are the primary candidates again this year.
The Nuggets return to action on Saturday against the Orlando Magic.
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