By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Three-time NBA MVP and Serbian center Nikola Jokić delivered one of the greatest performances in NBA history, posting a 56-point triple-double against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day.
It was the third-highest scoring performance ever on Christmas and the first game in NBA history with at least 55 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists.
After the game, as usual, Jokić made sure to credit the team rather than put the spotlight on himself.
“This team never quits. I always say that, so it’s kind of stupid to repeat it, but we believed in ourselves, went on a 6–0 run in 30 seconds, and that gave us life. We fight. We had injured guys, played small for most of the game—it was a tough game and a fight for all 53 minutes,” Jokić said at the postgame press conference.
The Denver Nuggets beat the Timberwolves 142–138 after coming back from nine points down in overtime, in what turned into a true Christmas classic.
The two teams have played several memorable games over the years, including a playoff series, but Jokić refuses to label it a rivalry.
“I don’t believe in rivalry or beef. For me, it’s just another game.”
U.S. media members were also curious about the biggest change Jokić has made this season, as he continues to push boundaries and perform at an even higher level than before—however impossible that may have seemed.
“Stopping talking to the referees was the biggest thing for me. I mean, I’m still going to talk to them, but I’m not going to lose my temper or energy over something I know isn’t going to change,” Jokić concluded.
“Best player in the world, bottom line”
Naturally, both teammates and head coach David Adelman were full of praise afterward.
Payton Watson stressed that what Jokić is doing should never be taken for granted.
“I’m tired of not being surprised, that should surprise me. We can’t continue to dismiss what this guy does on a night-to-night basis. It’s unbelievable. There’s no way we can take for granted what Jokić did tonight and what he does every night. We are watching history on a nightly basis. I’m going to continue stressing to the fans how important it is to show up, really enjoy this, and not take it for granted, because this is something that doesn’t happen again. We will never see something like this again,” Watson said.
Coach Adelman highlighted Jokić’s decision-making, even in late-game situations—such as the recent loss to the Dallas Mavericks, when he passed to Watson for an open corner three instead of taking the final shot himself.
“He makes the right play all the time, even when it’s 56, 16, and 15. There were moments when they came back at the end of regulation—it’s funny to me. In the Dallas game, he makes the pass to Payton and I hear chatter from my friends saying he should have shot it, and tonight he’s making the right play after the right play again. Guys missed shots too, but we won. The stat line is crazy, but I think it’s because he always makes the right play. When you do that, efficiency stays where it is,” Adelman said.
Denver’s head coach believes that mindset is what makes Jokić the best in the world.
“I’m proud of him—the way he plays and his entire approach to the game. Just don’t get tired of this. He’s the best player in the world, bottom line. What he does nightly is important for the game of basketball, good for the sport, and good for his head coach,” Adelman concluded.