Michael Malone known as him Superman. At the moment, Nikola Jokic´s simply super-tired.
The Denver Nuggets massive guy cannot wait to get a few sleep after a profession-exceptional 61-factor overall performance wherein he performed almost fifty three minutes. He did not go away the courtroom docket after halftime of a 140-139 double-extra time loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
His scoring spree become the maximum via way of means of a participant withinside the NBA this season. Jokic additionally had 10 rebounds and 10 assists, notching the 0.33 60-factor triple-double in NBA history. Luka Doncic did it on Dec. 27, 2022 and James Harden did it on Jan. 30, 2018.
“The guy´s Superman,” Nuggets instruct Malone said. “He´s on an entire different level, guy. People say he´s now no longer athletic, however now no longer many men can do what he does.”
Jokic’s preceding profession exceptional become fifty six factors in a loss at Washington on Dec. 7. The franchise mark is held via way of means of David Thompson, who had seventy three factors at Detroit on April 9, 1978.
On Tuesday, Jokic tried 24 loose throws – making 19 – to suit the group mark held via way of means of Carmelo Anthony. For all his exploits, Jokic had simply oneover-riding emotion: “Tired,” he said. “It was an exhausting game.”
Anthony Edwards gave the 3-time NBA MVP main props. Jokic’s in a heated race for some other MVP award with Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“Nikola Jokic, he is probably the quality basketball participant that I actually have ever visible near up, except myself,” cracked Edwards, who had 34 factors and 10 rebounds. “He is incredible. The MVP race is tough. I don´t know. He had 60. That is crazy.”
Of course, this game – a 6th immediately loss to Minnesota, along with playoffs – might be remembered with the aid of using Nuggets fanatics for Jokic’s exploits at the courtroom docket. But it’ll additionally be remembered for a wild finish.
Leading 139-138 with round 14 seconds left, Russell Westbrook stole the ball and dished it over to Christian Braun who then despatched it proper again to Westbrook for a layup. But Westbrook’s layup clanked off the rim and began out a smash the alternative way.
Westbrook ran down the courtroom docket and fouled Nickeil Alexander-Walker withinside the nook with 0.1 seconds remaining. The Timberwolves protect hit of 3 loose throws to thieve the victory.
“Obviously, I sense lousy for Russ,” Malone said.
