Did Russell Westbrook Just Ruin Nikola Jokić’s Insane 61-Point Triple-Double? The Controversial 2OT Blunder Everyone’s Talking About!

In an electrifying matchup on April 1, 2025, at Ball Arena, Nikola Jokić delivered a career-defining performance, recording an astonishing 61 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. This historic triple-double was the highest-scoring in NBA history, solidifying Jokić’s legacy as one of the game’s most dominant forces. However, his monumental effort was ultimately overshadowed by the Denver Nuggets’ heartbreaking 140-139 double-overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Despite Jokić’s heroics, the game slipped from the Nuggets’ grasp due to critical mistakes in the final moments—most notably by Russell Westbrook, whose missed opportunities and costly foul at the buzzer allowed the Timberwolves to escape with the win.

Nikola Jokić’s Unprecedented Performance: A Night for the History Books

Jokić’s 61-point triple-double was nothing short of legendary. The reigning MVP delivered one of the most dominant individual performances in NBA history, becoming the first player ever to record 60+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 10+ assists in a single game.

Jokić’s Game Stats:

• 61 points (career-high)

• 10 rebounds

• 10 assists

• 18-of-29 field goals

• 6-of-11 three-pointers

• 19-of-24 free throws

• Played the final 40 minutes and 38 seconds without rest

From start to finish, Jokić showcased his unique blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. He dominated in the paint, knocked down clutch three-pointers, and orchestrated the offense with his signature passing ability. The Nuggets’ offense revolved entirely around their superstar big man, and he carried the team on his back through two overtimes.

But unfortunately for Jokić and the Nuggets, basketball is a team game, and Denver’s costly mistakes in crunch time led to their downfall.

How the Nuggets Lost: Russell Westbrook’s Late-Game Blunders

While Jokić was doing everything in his power to secure the win, his teammate Russell Westbrook made a series of crucial mistakes that ultimately cost Denver the game.

Westbrook’s Key Mistakes in Double OT:

1. Missed Free Throw

   • With just under a minute left, Westbrook went to the line for two crucial free throws but only converted one. This kept the game within reach for Minnesota.

2. Unnecessary Missed Layup

   • With 15 seconds remaining and Denver leading by one, Westbrook stole a pass from Anthony Edwards. Instead of running down the clock or drawing a foul, he rushed an unnecessary layup attempt—and missed. This gave the Timberwolves another chance to steal the game.

3. Fouled a Three-Point Shooter at the Buzzer

   • After the Timberwolves regained possession, Westbrook committed a shooting foul on Nickeil Alexander-Walker as he attempted a last-second three-pointer. With only 0.1 seconds on the clock, Alexander-Walker stepped up and calmly sank two of three free throws, sealing the 140-139 victory for Minnesota.

Westbrook’s mistakes were devastating, turning what could have been a career-defining night for Jokić into a bitter defeat.

Timberwolves’ Collective Effort Led to the Comeback Win

While Jokić was the star of the night, the Minnesota Timberwolves played an excellent all-around game, refusing to back down despite facing one of the best performances in NBA history.

Key Timberwolves Performances:

• Anthony Edwards: 34 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists

• Julius Randle: 22 points, 7 rebounds

• Rudy Gobert: 15 rebounds, 3 blocks

• Nickeil Alexander-Walker: 14 points, game-winning free throws

Anthony Edwards led the charge for the Timberwolves, delivering a near triple-double while making key plays down the stretch. Gobert’s presence in the paint kept Jokić from completely taking over, and Alexander-Walker’s clutch free throws proved to be the difference.

The Timberwolves never allowed the Nuggets to fully pull away, constantly keeping the game within reach. Their resilience paid off when Westbrook’s blunders gave them an opportunity to capitalize.

Implications for the Nuggets: What Comes Next?

This loss was a major setback for the Denver Nuggets. Not only did they fail to capitalize on Jokić’s historic performance, but they also extended their losing streak against the Timberwolves.

Key Nuggets Concerns:

• Losing streak vs. Minnesota: The Nuggets have now lost six straight games to the Timberwolves, including a 4-0 regular-season sweep and last year’s playoff defeat in the Western Conference Semifinals.

• Missing Key Players: Denver was without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., putting even more pressure on Jokić to carry the team.

• Playoff Positioning: With the playoffs approaching, late-game execution remains a major concern. Can Denver clean up their mistakes before the postseason?

If the Nuggets want to make a deep playoff run, they must find ways to close out games more effectively. Relying solely on Jokić isn’t sustainable, and other players need to step up in key moments.

What This Win Means for the Timberwolves

For the Timberwolves, this victory was a massive confidence booster. Minnesota has had Denver’s number for two seasons now, and this win only solidifies their status as a legitimate Western Conference contender.

Playoff Implications for Minnesota:

• Top 4 Seed Within Reach: The Timberwolves are fighting for home-court advantage in the playoffs, and this win strengthens their position.

• Proven Clutch Ability: Winning close games is crucial in the postseason, and Minnesota has repeatedly shown they can execute under pressure.

• Anthony Edwards’ Leadership: Edwards continues to grow as a true franchise player, proving he can go toe-to-toe with superstars like Jokić.

Minnesota’s gritty defense, balanced scoring, and resilience make them one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference heading into the playoffs.

Looking Ahead: How Both Teams Can Improve

For the Nuggets:

• Jokić needs more help: As brilliant as Jokić is, he can’t do it all himself. The return of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. will be crucial.

• Russell Westbrook must improve decision-making: His aggressive playstyle is both a strength and a weakness—Denver needs him to play smarter in crunch time.

• Better late-game execution: Blowing close games can cost a team a championship, and the Nuggets must correct their mistakes before the playoffs begin.

For the Timberwolves:

• Continue building chemistry: Minnesota has the talent, but ensuring seamless teamwork will be key in the postseason.

• Maximize Anthony Edwards’ potential: He’s already a star, but if he reaches another level, the Timberwolves could become a serious title contender.

• Defensive consistency: Locking down elite scorers like Jokić is difficult, but Minnesota’s defense will be their key to success in the playoffs.

Final Thoughts: A Classic Battle with a Bittersweet Ending

Nikola Jokić’s 61-point triple-double was a performance for the ages, one that should have been celebrated with a victory. Instead, it will be remembered as one of the greatest wasted performances in NBA history due to the Nuggets’ late-game mistakes.

Russell Westbrook’s blunders proved costly, but Denver still has time to learn and improve before the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves’ grit and execution continue to make them one of the most dangerous teams in the West.

With the playoffs right around the corner, both teams must take the lessons from this game to heart—because the next time they meet, a championship could be on the line.