By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In a close game with 20 lead changes, the New York Knicks outlasted the Denver Nuggets, 134-127, after a second extra period at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.
“Obviously, we couldn’t make a shot. They were playing really good defense,” explained Nikola Jokic in a postgame press conference, reflecting on a deciding stretch in the second overtime. “We had our chances, but probably did not execute.”
The Serbian superstar scored 30 points on 10/27 from the field, including 1/13 triples.
“I couldn’t make a shot. Especially late, it was more and more off. It happens. So, I will go back to the gym and work on it,” he reacted to his poor performance from beyond the arc.
Logging 87 minutes over three showings since returning to action after recovering from a left knee injury, Jokic lasted 44:37 in the double-overtime game.
“I think that in that moment it’s the normal thing to do,” he said, supporting the decision to bypass a possible minute restriction in this context.
“A little bit, but who cares?” he mentioned about whether he was bothered by an ankle injury in the first quarter opposite the Knicks.
Combined with his 30 points, tallying 14 rebounds and ten assists, shaped his 17th triple-double of the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season, and also placed him in a tie with Oscar Robertson at 181 regular-season triple-doubles, in second place of the all-time list, behind Russell Westbrook’s 207.
Also in New York, Lithuanian backup Jonas Valanciunas had two points, three rebounds, and two assists in 12:47 for the team coached by David Adelman.
On the winning side, British starter OG Anunoby contributed 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists over 47:57. Overcoming a sprained ankle on the top of a back-to-back, French Mohamed Diawara reached five points in 14:27, but German Ariel Hukporti did not score over 3:40, French Guerschon Yabusele did not play, and French Pacome Dadiet was on assignment with the G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks.