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00:00...кареер, Christmas Day triple-double since the third quarter.
00:04Murray with seven threes.
00:07They're just such a tough combination, and they just keep getting better every year, too.
00:15Nikola Jokic against Rudy Gobert.
00:18Puts it on the deck, into the lane.
00:20Hookshot good for the big man.
00:22Well, he needed two overtimes to get the 41, 15, and 15 three years ago at Christmas against Phoenix.
00:32He may not need that here.
00:35Jokic and Murray have combined for 62 points tonight.
00:38That's eight over their average.
00:40Anthony Edwards connects, trying to keep Minnesota in the area code.
00:45They're down 13.
00:46And it really is incredible when you continue to look at his numbers,
00:50and every year, they just keep getting better.
00:52You figure there's going to be a MAAC somewhere, right?
00:55Yeah, there's going to be a cap.
00:56There's going to be a down year.
00:58There's going to be something.
00:59Haven't seen it yet.
01:00No.
01:01Jokic at 30 years of age, already a three-time most valuable player.
01:06Four to shoot.
01:07Gobert bumps it away.
01:08Who touched it last?
01:09Scott Foster says Denver did.
01:14I mean, this is just a great ATO.
01:16So, the split screens, there's no way that Anthony Edwards is coming out of that.
01:21You see the assist, and then setting up Gobert, playing with those four fouls,
01:27coming back with the hook, never gets rushed,
01:30always plays at exactly the pace that he wants to play with.
01:33He's finished top two in the most valuable player voting for five straight years.
01:39If he does it this year, as Edwards misses on a three,
01:43Randall, offensive rebound, fouled on the way back up.
01:47If he does it this year for a six straight year,
01:50that would tie the record of Larry Bird and Bill Russell.
01:54Bruce Brown picks up the foul, his second.
01:584.46 to go, and a mountain to climb for the Minnesota Timberwolves,
02:03who've done their best work in second halves this year.
02:05They've got a big mountain here near the Rocky Mountains tonight.
02:12First free throw is good, and our next ESPN NBA Wednesday doubleheader
02:16is coming up January 7th, and wow, should be a great one.
02:19We'll have Joker and the Nuggets taking on Jalen Brown and the Celtics at 7 Eastern,
02:24and then Wemby and the Red Hot Spurs host Luka and the Lakers.
02:28NBA countdown tips off coverage at 6.30 Eastern time.
02:32And with that win by San Antonio today in Oklahoma City, their third in two weeks,
02:38they're only two back in the loss column of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the West.
02:42That is remarkable.
02:43It is, and it's so fun to watch a young team that really starts to figure it out and come together.
02:48I mean, they have the perfect combination of long athletic wings that can knock down shots,
02:52and, of course, when you have an eraser like Wemby behind them,
02:56it allows them to really get out of pressure on the defensive end as well.
02:58And how well they played without them, and now bringing them off the bench as Randall able to get the steal that time.
03:04Numbers for Minnesota.
03:06Julius with a left hand puts it in.
03:08He's got 27 points.
03:12And the points off the turnovers has allowed Minnesota to stay in this ballgame.
03:17Got it down to nine as we approach four minutes to go.
03:24Jokic being double.
03:25Shoots out of it short.
03:27Edwards with it.
03:28Another stop for the T-Wolves.
03:30Down floor, McDaniels.
03:32Puts it up and in, and the Timberwolves have cut it to seven.
03:36And the Nuggets have taken a timeout with Minnesota on an 8-0 run.
03:40They've been in this situation before.
03:43Their defense, again, creating offense, getting to the paint, getting some easy ones.
03:49Timberwolves on a run.
03:56They have NBA basketball on ESPN and ABC.
03:59Coming up tonight, next on SportsCenter, after the game, Kendrick Perkins on the Spurs,
04:03picking up three wins against OKC in less than two weeks.
04:06The season of giving gets taken literally as the Lions season comes to an end.
04:10SportsCenter with Michael Eaves on ESPN and the ESPN app as soon as we're done here in Denver.
04:17Can the Nuggets close out the T-Wolves?
04:19Joker missing a three.
04:21And Minnesota's fourth quarter run continues.
04:25They have trailed by as many as 16.
04:29Randall fouled and counted.
04:31Chance for three for Julius Randall.
04:33He has a chance to make this a four-point game.
04:37Well, they have been a fourth-quarter team.
04:39And they have been much more aggressive.
04:41They feel comfortable and confident in their ability to come back in ballgames.
04:45And Julius Randall talked about being more aggressive, playing with energy.
04:49Now an opportunity for a three-point play.
04:51Yeah, 25 points the other night, including 17 in the fourth quarter in the win over the Knicks.
04:56And that free throw gives them 30 points on the night.
04:59And that double-digit deficit is shaved to four.
05:0611 consecutive points.
05:08Earlier in the game, Minnesota scored 17 in a row.
05:11But that was with Jokic off the floor.
05:14Here's the Joker against Gobert.
05:16Cross to the left.
05:17Hits the 16-footer.
05:19And a timeout called by Minnesota.
05:26How do you defend that one any better?
05:27I mean, you can't.
05:29This is just sizing up your defender.
05:31He knows he's got to get that extra lift over the length of Rudy Gobert.
05:36And that's just an outstanding play by Jokic.
05:39Golly Jokic had his triple-double tonight in the third quarter.
05:46Number 179 in his career.
05:48Two away from number two.
05:50Oscar Robertson, who for a long time was the all-time triple-double king.
05:54Russell Westbrook has four this year.
05:56Has 207 playing with the Sacramento Kings.
06:00Big hit for Jokic before the timeout.
06:02Does Minnesota have an answer?
06:04Behind the screen, Edwards with a three.
06:07He had struggled offensively with a bit of a shoulder issue at the end of the first quarter.
06:13A 14-2 Timberwolves run.
06:15And that's a heck of a look coming out of the timeout.
06:18Anthony Edwards has been quiet since that shoulder.
06:20But look for him to come alive in the last three.
06:23Behind the screen, Murray passes to Hardaway.
06:27Offensive rebound, Jokic on the miss.
06:30One score game with two and a half minutes to go to close out our Christmas Day action.
06:35And now a whistle off the ball as both DiVincenzo and Murray getting into it there.
06:45DiVincenzo picks up his third.
06:47I mean, this is just a really good play.
06:49DiVincenzo's top block down to the corner.
06:51Runs his guy right into Peyton Watson.
06:54And Ant gets an open look.
06:55Side out of bounds.
06:59Denver, the maximum four fouls in the quarter.
07:03Here's a step back.
07:04Murray missed the three.
07:05He wanted a foul call for landing in the zone.
07:09No whistle.
07:11Ant-Man attacks Joker and scores it on the layup.
07:14It's a one-point game.
07:15What a comeback here in the fourth quarter by the Timberwolves.
07:21Coming up on two minutes to go.
07:24Trailed by as many as 16.
07:26Minnesota has hit on six of their last seven basket attempts.
07:32Nervous crowd will rise to its feet here at Ball Arena.
07:35Joker gives it up.
07:36Murray for three.
07:37He hits it.
07:40Jamal Murray with his eighth triple and a big one with 1.45 left.
07:49Travel call.
07:50Minnesota turnover.
07:51Randle.
07:53Joker comes up.
07:55He's ripping the ball away because he wants to get going.
07:58I know he's pointing to McDaniels to say he shouldn't have grabbed that ball.
08:01He wanted to go.
08:02I mean, this is a heck of a play.
08:03And Jokic told Jamal to get to the inverted pick and roll.
08:06Does a great job of forcing the double.
08:09Again, the gravity of these two and their ability to get one another.
08:13High percentage looks.
08:1531 points for Murray.
08:1717 in the second half.
08:19He had a 43-point game in Minnesota back in late October.
08:28Joker with Edwards defending on the perimeter.
08:31Inside, watch it.
08:31Quick double comes.
08:32He's cut off.
08:34Outside to Murray.
08:35Seven to shoot.
08:37Murray dribbles under the basket with four to shoot.
08:40Turns, fades, three.
08:42In and out.
08:44And Minnesota down four with a minute 15 left.
08:47D.A.
08:48D.A.
08:48D.A.
08:49D.A.
08:50Anthony Edwards.
08:51D.A.
08:52McDaniels having a big fourth quarter.
08:54Missed on the finger roll.
08:56And we've got a foul called as the Joker was going for the ball.
08:59Dante DiVincenzo gets hit with the personal.
09:04That is his fourth.
09:06And the last.
09:09Last in the first two minutes.
09:11You see, every time Anthony Edwards has the ball, there's going to be two bodies right in front of him.
09:20Worsen to give it up.
09:21Worsen to split the two.
09:22Timeout here with a minute five to go.
09:27Four-point game in front of a crowd of over 20,000.
09:32Timeouts being used to take a challenge by Minnesota on that foul.
09:35DiVincenzo got called for the foul.
09:39We'll sort it out when we get back from this timeout.
09:44Foster to render his decision on the replay challenge by the Timberwolves on this contact.
09:50Foul was called on DiVincenzo.
09:53After he knew it's been determined that the foul on the floor will stand.
09:56There was a little contact by DiVincenzo just prior to Jokic beating the ball.
10:02This is an uncessful challenge when we charge the timeout.
10:04It was a foul to give, therefore, it would be Denver ball in the backcourt.
10:071-0-6 in the game, 5-24 in the shot clock.
10:09They will not be able to challenge Sussman plays.
10:12Coach White, that's what you saw as well during the break.
10:13Yeah, I mean, right here it looks like Jokic is about to control the basketball
10:17and Dante DiVincenzo coming from behind.
10:20You know, if you're Chris Finch and maybe it's a 50-50 ball, right,
10:23and both guys going for it, but call stands.
10:29Nuggets won the first two games of this season series, both in Minneapolis.
10:34They'll play one more time on ABC on a Sunday afternoon in March, March 1st.
10:40Murray and Jokic leading Denver down the break since the Joker came back into the game.
10:46They have scored the last ten combined.
10:49Pass to Watson.
10:50Shot not there.
10:51Weak side stick back good.
10:53Spencer Jones.
10:54Spencer Jones.
10:54Spencer Jones getting a big bucket, making it a full two-possession game.
11:04Edwards trying to cut it in half, missed the shot.
11:07Gobert on offensive boards, stripped of the ball.
11:11Edwards fouled on the way up, out beyond the three-point line,
11:15with 30.2 seconds to go.
11:18Three free throws coming for Anthony Edwards in a six-point game.
11:24Foul's going to be on Jamal Murray, his first.
11:26And this is one of those where you want that back if you're Jamal Murray.
11:30And you can't afford to put Anthony Edwards at the line with three free throws.
11:37He was six of eight at the line tonight.
11:40First one is good.
11:41And you live with it.
11:41If he hits that three over three people, I mean, everybody's right there.
11:47If he hits that shot, you live with that.
11:50Anthony Edwards, who had 14 first quarter points, hits two of the first three, 29.
12:00He did tell us he was going to get 30, right?
12:02He did tell us he was going to get 30, maybe 40, so.
12:06And he's come alive in the fourth.
12:09Correct myself at 28 points.
12:11This will make it 29.
12:13And more importantly, a one-possession game.
12:16Absolutely.
12:16One-possession game.
12:17You can play it out.
12:20They've been in a lot of clutch games, and they've been really good in them.
12:25No fouls to give either way.
12:26About six seconds difference on the shot clock.
12:30Denver three-point lead in the ball.
12:34Murray inside the three-point arc.
12:38Pass stolen.
12:39Eight seconds to go, down three.
12:42They'll go for the quick two with 4.8 left.
12:45One-point game.
12:47Both teams have a timeout.
12:50And Denver's going to use their final one here with 4.8 seconds to go.
12:58And now it becomes go for a steal or more foul.
13:00It becomes go for a steal or quick foul.
13:01I mean, this has been what's kept Minnesota in the ball game and what has allowed them to cut the deficit.
13:11Points off of turnovers.
13:12The 28 points off of 18 Denver Nugget turnovers.
13:17They elect to get the quick two.
13:19Now you're in a position, yes, you want to go for a steal right away.
13:22If you don't have it, take the quick foul.
13:24Minnesota still has a timeout if they want to advance the basketball.
13:30It's been a game of stars.
13:32Look at all the 30-point scores we have tonight.
13:3436 and a triple-double for the Joker.
13:37And Edwards and Randall both scoring 30 for Minnesota.
13:40It's what you expect to see.
13:45The bookend of the Christmas package and the stars coming out and shining tonight.
13:51These are the number three and number four teams in the Western Conference standings updated through the night.
13:57Denver third in the West behind Oklahoma City and San Antonio.
14:01The Nuggets 21-8.
14:02They've been doing it without two of their starters, Christian Brown and Aaron Gordon, and now Cameron Johnson.
14:07Another starter goes down on Tuesday night.
14:09Minnesota, winners of 10 of their last 12.
14:14And these have been clutch time minutes here down the stretch.
14:18Minnesota, one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.
14:21Can they get the steal here as Denver advances?
14:28Bruce Brown will do the honors.
14:31Joker is double-teamed.
14:35They're trying to find the Joker, and the ball gets into him with 3.6.
14:39He tried to pass to Brown, but the foul was committed.
14:43And Nikola Jokic, who is perfect at the free throw line so far tonight,
14:48will shoot a pair with 3.6 to go.
14:53Third foul on McDaniels.
14:57Minnesota does have that one timeout remaining.
15:01Regardless of how Jokic fares at the line.
15:04Well, you're going to bring Rudy Gobert in.
15:06Make sure you get a rebound if there is a miss.
15:09And likely utilize this timeout.
15:1337 points for Jokic.
15:15Second Christmas Day triple-double.
15:19Had a 41-point triple-double against Phoenix in a couple of overtimes three years ago.
15:273.6 to go.
15:30Trying to make it a full three-point lead, and he does.
15:34Minnesota will use its final timeout to draw something up here with 3.6 left on the clock, needing three.
15:43And it's been a struggle from three-point land.
15:46In fact, the Timberwolves, 39 consecutive games.
15:50They've hit at least ten three-pointers.
15:52They've got nine tonight, so they need that number ten.
15:55Where are they going?
15:55Well, and they're sixth in the league in three-point field goal percentage,
15:57and you're going to have multiple options on the floor.
15:59Of course, Anthony Edwards is going to be a primary option.
16:03Dante DiVincenzo has struggled, but know that he has the ability to make the three-point play.
16:07Nas Reed on the floor as well.
16:10So I think you're going to have multiple screening actions.
16:12Certainly looking for Denver to switch a lot of screens,
16:15see if you can get them in a miscommunication and get an open look.
16:18In the first half, Timberwolves 6 of 23 from three-point land.
16:22Only 3 of 16 here in the second half.
16:25Anthony Edwards has three triples tonight.
16:29And we'll see what Minnesota draws up here with 3.6 seconds to go.
16:35A great comeback by the Timberwolves.
16:37Can Denver hang on?
16:38Neither team has a timeout.
16:41As the Timberwolves will advance the ball to inbound in the frontcourt.
16:4720,046 in ball arena tonight.
16:54Denver going to go with Jokic on the ball.
16:57See him talking to Spencer Jones right there.
17:03Again, forcing Dante DiVincenzo away from the rim.
17:07Jaden McDaniels will do the honors to get it inbounds.
17:11Gets it in.
17:12Turning a three for the tie.
17:14Good!
17:15Anthony Edwards with 1.1 second to go in regulation.
17:19And they will take a look at it to make sure it's a three-pointer.
17:28Anthony Edwards.
17:30Anticlaus.
17:32Yes.
17:32Is he going to give us an extra five minutes?
17:36Take a look at his feet.
17:37Quick review.
17:43It's a three-pointer good.
17:45And we are tied.
17:46We still have 1 and 1 tenth seconds to go.
17:49And how about the little thing?
17:51Ant does such a good job of keeping Jamal Murray behind his back inside the three-point line.
17:56Releases at just the right time.
17:58And knowing he can elevate over the top.
18:01Now remember, nobody's got a timeout.
18:03So Denver's got to go kind of college style here, right?
18:0594 feet.
18:08In 1.1 seconds.
18:12Peyton Watson on the baseline.
18:16He can run the baseline with 1.1.
18:18Anthony Edwards trying to extend Christmas Day NBA in Denver to Jokic, who throws it from 80 feet.
18:29No good.
18:30And we've got extra basketball on a Christmas night in Denver as the Minnesota Timberwolves rally down 16.
18:39And Anthony Edwards hits a late, twisting three to tie the game.
18:43Well, he has been great in clutch time, and this shot, a huge one for Anthony Edwards.
18:55Welcome to the start of Kia Overtime.
18:59Five games, four quarters each.
19:02But we get a bonus overtime coming up, and the heroics of Anthony Edwards just had that right foot beyond the stripe.
19:09I mean, just the timing, his ability to hold Jamal Murray inside the three-point line and release at just the right time.
19:17I mean, he relishes these moments.
19:19Hit the big three in OKC.
19:22He talked his stuff, said he was going to have 30, maybe 40.
19:26He struggled a little bit after that shoulder injury in the second and third quarter.
19:29But boy, in the fourth quarter, has he taken over.
19:32The Denver Nuggets had a lead of 15 points with 535 left in the fourth quarter.
19:41Minnesota goes on a 16-2 run in the last two seasons.
19:46That was the 400th three-pointer for Anthony Edwards.
19:50Only Steph Curry has more.
19:51And I'd mentioned they keep the streak alive.
19:5440 straight games of at least 10 threes.
19:56They needed number 10.
19:57They got it to force overtime.
19:57They sure did, and they have been in now 16 clutch games throughout the course of this season.
20:036-2 in their last eight heading into tonight.
20:06And Anthony Edwards shooting it at a high clip in those clutch moments.
20:10Anthony Edwards, who ended Denver's bid for back-to-back championships in the 2024 playoffs.
20:17A big fourth quarter comeback to win it in seven games.
20:21And Ant-Man scores 11 of the last 13 in the fourth quarter.
20:25Edwards with 33 points as we hit overtime.
20:30Denver largely has controlled this game, Stephanie.
20:33The last time Minnesota had a lead, it was 245 to go before halftime.
20:38They had a one-point lead.
20:39Denver controlled it since that point.
20:44Gobert and Joker as we started it.
20:48Just about two and a half hours ago, and here we go.
20:51It's a late-night start here in Denver.
20:53Denver, we're past 11 o'clock here in the Mountain Time Zone.
20:56Five minutes to see if we can decide a winner to close Christmas.
21:01Edwards stays hot using the glass to open overtime.
21:06I love how he uses the glass.
21:08I mean, he is a guy who has great body control, great voice, can get to the rim.
21:11But that's very Tim Duncan-like, right?
21:15We don't see a lot of guys using the glass.
21:16A little fundamental, Edwards, as Murray gets fouled.
21:21Jaden McDaniels picks up the personal, his fourth.
21:25Anthony Edwards now up to 35 points.
21:29So good at creating space.
21:31I mean, just uses his body, creates enough space off the glass.
21:34And we talked in the open about this young superstar in the making,
21:40and Anthony Edwards relishes these moments.
21:44Five to shoot.
21:46Spencer Jones for three is a miss.
21:48DiVincenzo got a hand on it.
21:50Anthony Edwards with the rebound.
21:52Minnesota looked dead in the water in the fourth quarter.
21:58And now Edwards will get to the line with 4.10 to go,
22:01trying to build on a two-point lead.
22:03It's been their first lead since three minutes to go before halftime,
22:08and now a chance to extend it here in overtime.
22:10Peyton Watson picks up his fourth personal.
22:13Team's been relatively in good foul trouble, if you will.
22:19Gobert had four in the third quarter, still has four.
22:21DeVincenzo with four.
22:23McDaniels with four as Edwards hits the first of two.
22:27And Peyton Watson's four.
22:29The only man with four fouls for the Denver Nuggets.
22:39Edwards, first four points of overtime.
22:42He had scored 11 of the last 13 of the fourth quarter.
22:4617 bridging those two quarters for the Ant-Man here on Christmas night.
22:51Four-point lead, Minnesota.
22:57See if Murray and the Joker can come alive.
23:00They got Anthony Edwards guarding Jokic.
23:03Now the double comes with Gobert.
23:06Extra pass to Hardaway.
23:07Hardaway rises for three.
23:09Missed it.
23:09Rebound.
23:10Hand on it, Minnesota.
23:12And DeVincenzo has it at half court.
23:14Takes it to the rack.
23:15Up and under.
23:15Missed and got the whistle as Jamal Murray was trying to defend.
23:19Well, that ball just being tipped around.
23:31Fortuitous bounce right there for Minnesota.
23:33Dante DeVincenzo gets himself an opportunity at the free throw line.
23:36Again, he's been quiet here tonight.
23:38And he has played really well over the last six ballgames.
23:400 for 7 from 3 and his first free throw is good.
23:45Just 1 for 10 overall.
23:47He does have 8 assists and 8 rebounds.
23:50As you mentioned, he's been impacting the game in other ways.
23:52Two free throws for DeVincenzo and the first six points of overtime belong to Minnesota 9-0 run.
24:07That includes the Anthony 3 and now a deflected ball on the Jamal Murray attempt.
24:16When Minnesota's defense just stepped up a notch.
24:19It sure is.
24:19And Jamal Murray looked like he thought he was just going to roll in there
24:21and lay that up.
24:23And Rudy Gobert said, no, thank you.
24:25Gobert with the blocked shot.
24:26This is all part of a 30-9 Minnesota run.
24:30Since they were down double digits.
24:32About five and a half minutes to go in regulation.
24:34The Joker wanted contact.
24:36Whistle after the shot.
24:40They come from the slot official on the far side.
24:44Scott Foster, our lead official, going over to talk.
24:46Matt Myers had the call on the far side.
24:56And Jokic just does such a good job of lulling them into those foul calls.
25:01And then the timing of when to get into the arm.
25:05It's five on Gobert.
25:10Denver is yet to score here in overtime.
25:12We're 90 seconds into the extra period.
25:16Jokic against Randall.
25:17Pass to Jones.
25:18Spencer three.
25:19Another miss.
25:20Popped in the air.
25:21Watson's got it.
25:23Hardaway for three.
25:24Missed.
25:25And Denver has gone ice cold down the stretch here on Christmas night.
25:29Three minutes to go and a chant of defense here at Ball Arena.
25:37But Anthony Edwards with a three-pointer.
25:40Matching the triple to tie it at the end of regulation.
25:43And Minnesota leads by nine.
25:47It is their biggest lead of the entire game.
25:53Tied it on a three-pointer with 1.1 second to go.
25:57And they have shut out Denver here in Denver so far in this extra period.
26:02Well, and what a performance by Anthony Edwards.
26:05Just taking over the ball game in the fourth and in overtime.
26:08You see the emotion.
26:11Jokic's just too far back on that ball screen.
26:14And, look, Minnesota has been in a lot of these ball games throughout the course of the season.
26:17And when they have been at their best, they have found a way to stay the course.
26:21To weather the storms.
26:23And, as Julius Randle told us, find different ways to win ball games.
26:27And they have owned this overtime thus far.
26:29Yeah.
26:29Having Anthony Edwards lead you is not a different way.
26:32But he was dealing with that shoulder most of the game.
26:34Let's take a look at what Ann Edwards has done here this evening.
26:37Well, I mean, this was just a heck of a play.
26:40An individual effort to send this game to overtime.
26:43And then he's been aggressive to the rim.
26:45Creating his own space.
26:47Taking over.
26:48Going one-on-one.
26:49Not seeing multiple bodies as he saw in a lot of the ball game.
26:53Now he's seeing one.
26:55And, boy, is he making them pay.
26:57Saw that fist bump using that right arm.
26:59He had 38 points Tuesday against the Knicks.
27:02He's up to 40 points here tonight.
27:04His 10th game of at least 35 points this season.
27:07When you look at the last few defensive possessions for Minnesota.
27:10And they're doing exactly what the game plan has been all along.
27:13They're going to help off of Spencer Jones.
27:15They're going to force him to knock down shots.
27:17Jokic has been finding him.
27:18He hasn't been able to knock him down.
27:21See there on the screen, the Denver Nuggets 0 for 5 in overtime.
27:25And there's a hit out of the timeout by the Joker at 3.
27:29That's right.
27:29The inverted pin.
27:30Give him an easy look.
27:32Joker just matched his triple-double from three years ago on the nose.
27:3541-15 and 15 for Jokic.
27:40Edwards feeling it.
27:41Missed it in and out.
27:42Gobert offensive rebound.
27:44They're trying to poke it the way they do.
27:45Denver New Life.
27:49Hardaway for three.
27:50Yes!
27:52Back-to-back triples by the Nuggets.
27:54And we're down to a three-point game.
27:56Two.
27:56Two.
27:58Three.
28:02We have had a seesaw game.
28:05And teams have changed momentum in a hurry throughout the night.
28:09Anthony Edwards passes out to McDaniels.
28:11Randall had it batted away in a whistle.
28:17Jones knocked it away.
28:19Murray wanted the charge.
28:20Murray gets called with the foul.
28:22Well, Denver's been so good after timeout.
28:24Right here, just the inverted screen.
28:26Jokic gets a wide-open three.
28:28And Tim Hardaway Jr.
28:30Hasn't gotten a lot of rhythm threes in this ballgame.
28:32But Jamal Murray finds him on time on target.
28:36That 6-0 run for the Nuggets.
28:39And then on the other end, Julius Randall, again, aggressive to the rim.
28:42Jamal Murray still moving.
28:45Didn't quite get there.
28:49Julius Randall will go to the line.
28:5130 points.
28:524 of 5 at the stripe tonight.
28:55Still 2.08 to go.
28:58In a three-point game.
29:03Minnesota move from fifth to fourth.
29:07In the Western standings here on this Christmas day as Randall hits the first of two.
29:11Often a barometer day, even though most teams have played over a third of their schedule already.
29:17This is game 31 for Minnesota.
29:22Game 30 for Denver.
29:24Randall, two big hits there.
29:26Five-point lead, T-Wolves.
29:28He's got 32.
29:33Two minutes to go in overtime.
29:36Joker feeling it.
29:37Hits another three.
29:3944 points for the Joker.
29:41Keepin' it simple.
29:47Inverted pin down.
29:48Make him stop it.
29:51Nikoli Okic with his fourth three-pointer of the night.
29:54Two-point game.
29:55Edwards for three off target.
29:57Gobert tried to flush it on the offensive rebound.
30:00Denver has it down two.
30:03Murray nearly lost it.
30:05Randall gets aggressive on him.
30:07Pass out and a whistle.
30:08Randall over-aggressive that time.
30:10The foul called.
30:15That is the fourth personal foul on Julius Randall.
30:19Again, just going to the inverted screen.
30:23Spencer Jones, great job of figuring out who to screen.
30:31Coming back to it on the other side of the floor.
30:3490 seconds to go here in overtime.
30:37Denver started OT, missing its first five.
30:39They've hit their last three.
30:41Jokic, leaner, good.
30:44Tie ball game with 85 seconds to go in overtime.
30:51An 11-2 Denver run.
30:54Defense!
30:55Defense!
30:58Defense!
30:58Randall for three.
31:00Missed it short.
31:01Rebounded by Hardaway.
31:03This time it's Denver's turn
31:08to make the big comeback.
31:11Jamal to the Joker.
31:13Poked away by Gobert.
31:14Loose diving.
31:15Nice save on the end line.
31:18Now knocked into the backcourt.
31:20And a loose ball foul is called against Jokic.
31:2554.8 seconds to go.
31:27And this will be free throws for Minnesota.
31:29Well, Jamal Murray saved the turnover right there.
31:36But then look at the hustle by Rudy Gobert coming into the play.
31:41And I don't know about that call right there.
31:44I think they're challenging that.
31:49I don't think they can.
31:52Oh, yes, they can.
31:53You're right.
31:53Denver had a successful challenge.
31:54You're right.
31:55I mean, that's...
31:56Minnesota had the unsuccessful.
31:57Jokic is coming to the pass.
32:00Rudy Gobert runs through the passing lane.
32:03I mean, it's worth the challenge right here.
32:07This is a big play.
32:08Jokic is coming to the ball.
32:10Rudy Gobert runs through his arm.
32:12Call on the floor was loose ball against Nikoli Jokic.
32:20Denver had a successful challenge earlier in the game.
32:25I mean, right here, it's...
32:27Jokic has his hand on the ball.
32:29And Rudy comes through his arm.
32:32If Rudy had hit it first, right, and then Jokic locks him up,
32:36I think it's different.
32:38And it's a hard call on the bang-bang.
32:39But they'll get a chance to look at it, slow it down.
32:42Big, big challenge here with 54.8 seconds to go.
32:47We are in overtime.
32:49Minnesota made the improbable comeback end of regulation.
32:52Anthony Edwards with the twirling corner three
32:56to tie it with a second to go.
32:58And then Minnesota jumped out to a nine-point lead in overtime.
33:03And Denver has made the comeback to tie it.
33:09And a fun day of Christmas action.
33:12We saw the Knicks come from way back to beat Cleveland earlier today.
33:17The San Antonio Spurs pulling up a third win against the defending champion,
33:21Oklahoma City Thunder.
33:24This is game five on this Christmas day
33:26and getting a classic between Denver and Minnesota.
33:29And Jokic has stepped to the plate.
33:32Eight of Denver's 11 in overtime belonging to the three-time MVP.
33:36And right now it's the foul called against him
33:38that's being scrutinized on the other side of the floor.
33:42Long look at this replay.
33:43Well, I mean, obviously it's got to be clear and conclusive,
33:46you know, but to me, Jokic has the ball.
33:49And Rudy comes through his arm.
33:51And I think it's the timing of when the foul was called as well.
33:56Let's take one more look.
33:57And then here it comes.
33:58Jokic has the ball or his hands.
34:00And Rudy comes through his arm.
34:02And not only if they overturn this,
34:04that would be Gobert's sixth foul, right?
34:07And he'd be DQ'd.
34:09Or he'd be at the free throw line shooting in the bonus.
34:14So they are finished looking at the replays.
34:16After a year has been determined this part without calling the floor,
34:19a foul occurred by Rudy Gobert.
34:21They're contacted with a wrist of Ruggins.
34:25They're going to fall for the return.
34:28The challenge being successful,
34:29however, the timeout will be challenged for Denver
34:31as it is their second timeout.
34:34They are winning their challenges.
34:36They're able to suit the party with 56.4 in the game clock.
34:40Just as you saw it,
34:41and what a big challenge for the Denver Nuggets.
34:43Yeah, I mean, great job by the guys behind the bench.
34:46Certainly, I mean, that's always a tough position to be in,
34:49but he should be shooting free throws on the penalty.
34:53But right here, it's in Jokic's hands,
34:56and Gobert comes across.
34:58If the timing had been just a bit different,
35:00and Rudy hits it first, I think maybe yes.
35:03But, I mean, that's a heck of an effort for Rudy
35:08to get that steal and a tough break.
35:10So not only do we not have Gobert shooting free throws,
35:14Gobert is out of the game,
35:14so some of that rim protection gone here for the final 56 seconds.
35:18And on the other end,
35:20Nikola Jokic will shoot free throws in the bonus.
35:25Nas Reed replacing Rudy Gobert.
35:30They grow quiet here.
35:33First one is good.
35:3547 points, 15 rebounds, 15 assists,
35:39and a 13-for-13 night at the free throw line.
35:43Boy, and we talked about Ant taking over early in OT,
35:46and it's been Jokic ever since.
35:51One more for Nikola.
35:53Hits them both.
35:55Two-point lead.
35:58Denver had to use their last timeout for that challenge.
36:00Minnesota has two in their pocket.
36:03Anthony Edwards, the blow by the layup.
36:04It's good.
36:05And Edwards has 42 points.
36:10Tied at 128.
36:1240 seconds to go in overtime.
36:14Nine threes for Jamal Murray.
36:29And Denver's got the lead.
36:32Timeout Minnesota.
36:33Well, you know when it's crunch time,
36:44it's these two and the two-man.
36:47And Murray doesn't need a lot of time.
36:49He doesn't need a lot of space.
36:51And the way he's been shooting the basketball,
36:54it's a tough one right there.
36:56Back of the play.
36:57Got caught up with Nikola Jokic.
36:59Just did not have enough time to get out to Jamal.
37:02You mentioned all he needs is a sliver.
37:03He sure does.
37:04And, you know, these two right here,
37:06they're so used to playing together.
37:08Just flip it a little bit.
37:09And look, Jokic gets Ant first.
37:12And then he comes for McDaniels second.
37:14That's all the time that Jamal Murray needs.
37:18Jamal Murray, the franchise leader here in Denver,
37:21and three-pointers made in his career.
37:24Nine for 18 from the three-point line.
37:27He's got 10 assists to go with his 34 points
37:30if you put Murray and Jokic together.
37:3282 points, 45 since halftime,
37:37and 13 of the 16 in overtime.
37:41Elevating.
37:42That's what great players do in these moments.
37:43They elevate.
37:45There's stat man Ivan Sakalski.
37:47You see the smoke coming out of his fingers
37:49with all the digits being turned over there.
37:52Now, where do we go with Minnesota?
37:54Down three.
37:55A lot of ball game to play.
37:5635 seconds to go.
37:57Anthony Edwards has been the hot man.
38:0142 points tonight.
38:07Dante DiVincenzo will inbound.
38:09Just got it into Edwards, who came right up to the near sideline.
38:18Edwards doubled.
38:19Tough bounce pass stolen by Denver.
38:21And a loose ball foul has been called against Minnesota.
38:25Great hard double on Anthony Edwards.
38:28fouls on McDaniels, his fifth.
38:32Well, you know you're going to see two come,
38:34and the aggressiveness right there.
38:36Great rotation on the backside.
38:39Peyton Watson anticipating the pass.
38:43McDaniels does a good job of getting in the passing lane,
38:45getting that deflection.
38:48McDaniels was there.
38:48It was just that extra hesitation by Ant.
38:52First free throw miss of the night for Nikola Jokic.
38:55Still a one-possession game.
38:57Three-point Denver lead with 27 seconds to go.
39:0049 points for Nikola Jokic, a 49-point triple-double.
39:12Puts him up four.
39:14Clock starts.
39:17Edwards right to the rack with the flush.
39:2125 seconds to go.
39:23And a call here.
39:24Well, it doesn't take him long, right, to get down the floor.
39:41And now I think there's a technical foul right here.
39:44Gets his hand on the ball, and Jokic is trying to...
39:46There it is.
39:47That's a tech on Anthony Edwards.
39:49Over the line.
39:50And a second delay of game warning,
39:55and now technical free throw shot by Nikola Jokic,
39:59who makes it a 50-point triple-double here on Christmas night
40:03to make it a three-point game.
40:05And now they'll go to the other end to inbound on the baseline.
40:1050 points, 16 rebounds, 15 assists.
40:20They go to Jokic.
40:24DiVincenzo had him blocked off.
40:26We had a late whistle.
40:29Scott Foster's going to call it on DiVincenzo.
40:31Our lead official was all the way down on the other end of the floor.
40:35The other two officials didn't blow the whistle.
40:37Scott Foster does.
40:40I mean, this could have been a traveler right here, too.
40:46DiVincenzo...
40:47Straight up and down, but there's some contact momentum from Jokic.
40:55That's a tough one, though,
40:56from going all the way down at the other end of the floor.
40:59Chris Finch got a technical foul there.
41:1020 seconds to go in the ball game.
41:13Someone got a technical foul.
41:14I think it was Coach Finch,
41:15because Jamal Murray's going to the line.
41:17Hang on.
41:17Don't think it was...
41:20Finch, he'll get it straightened away.
41:23But Jamal Murray's going to the free-throw line.
41:24Was it Anthony Edwards?
41:26It was.
41:28His second and done for the night.
41:29Murray hits.
41:4235 points.
41:46Another one coming.
41:4785 points between Jokic and Murray.
41:50Minnesota looked like they were about to put Denver to sleep in overtime,
41:55and those two came to the rescue.
42:00Second one's a miss.
42:02Well, the timeout that David Adelman called
42:05goes right to the inverted pin-down action for Jokic.
42:09That's what's got him going.
42:10Hits a three, comes back, gets another look.
42:13And we're down by nine, with 2.59 in that overtime.
42:21And Denver has owned it ever since.
42:25Joker at the line for two.
42:2751 points.
42:33Remember, Bernard King had a 60-point game on Christmas Day.
42:36Joker's in the 50s now, and his free-throws are good.
42:43He's got 20 points in the fourth quarter and overtime.
42:4752 for the Joker.
42:50Minnesota down six.
42:52They need a couple of threes, and there's the first.
42:53McDaniels hitting with 15.2.
42:57Joker gets it inbounded to Watson, and they'll foul him with 14.4 to go.
43:03And Peyton Watson will head to the other side.
43:06I hope nobody left the building when Denver was leading by double digits in the fourth quarter
43:13and then heard it was going overtime and then said, oh, well, they're down nine,
43:16so maybe it was a good call.
43:18It doesn't look like it.
43:19Only a couple.
43:20Only a couple.
43:20Only a couple.
43:21Well, nobody has to work tomorrow, right?
43:23Friday after Christmas.
43:23I don't know about nobody.
43:26Hopefully, many of these folks can sleep in.
43:29And we are 11.35 p.m. mountain time, and now Denver hitting its free-throws here down the stretch.
43:36These two teams going to meet one more time later this season, and who knows, maybe beyond once we get to the spring.
43:48Watson bags a couple of free-throws.
43:56Two-possession lead for the Denver Nuggets.
44:03Over the top pass.
44:05Dave Vincenzo puts it in.
44:0711 seconds to go.
44:08Three-point game.
44:09Got to get it in.
44:15Joker has it.
44:16Two were there.
44:17No whistle called, and now a foul is committed, and Denver will go right back to the free-throw line.
44:31Jokic with 52 points working as he shoots free-throws here.
44:39Bernard King had those 60 points Christmas Day for the Knicks in 1984 against the then-New Jersey Nets.
44:4953 points for Jokic with nine seconds to go.
44:59I mean, it's just incredible.
45:00You're two superstars taking over in this overtime, but Jokic just putting his team on his back.
45:07Another free-throw for Jokic.
45:10Luka had a 50-point game in 2023 with Dallas on Christmas.
45:16Bernard King had that 60-point game.
45:18Will had 59 in 1961, and Rick Barry had a 50 spot in 1966.
45:25So, Nikola Jokic, just the fifth player to score 50-plus on Christmas.
45:31What a way to end our five games on Christmas Day.
45:36Jokic with 54.
45:37Anthony Edwards hit that three to send it to overtime, and then got ejected in overtime, finishing with 44 points.
45:45Now, nine seconds to go, and Minnesota's going to need another quick bucket here.
45:53The Joker with 16 of the Denver 25 points in overtime.
45:57Mind you, it's a five-minute overtime.
45:59They got 25 on the board.
46:00And this is from the 2.59 mark on, because the first couple of minutes of overtime were owned by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
46:10So, any quick score here with nine seconds to go, down five.
46:17Yeah, you just got to get a quick score and a foul.
46:27Jaden McDaniels, the inbounder, hit a three last time down.
46:33Nine seconds to go in overtime.
46:35And to the corner, Hyland foul, tried to turn in the corner.
46:40Was it beyond the stripe?
46:43Either way, they're going to make it a one-possession game if they could hit the free throws.
46:46And that's the one thing you don't want if you're Denver.
46:56Yep.
46:57Feet behind the line.
46:59Hyland was kind of reaching for his left shoulder after that, and you can see him stretching it out there.
47:03And that's where you just got to stay disciplined defensively.
47:07It's a two-possession game.
47:09And these are all learning points and growth areas.
47:15That was Hyland's first free throw tonight.
47:18Only his fourth miss of the season.
47:21David Adelman wants some size.
47:23Jonas Valanchunas getting set to check in.
47:26And that was Jokic calling for the bench to get Valanchunas in,
47:29so we can get a rebound if he misses these free throws.
47:33Hyland hits the second.
47:35One more to come.
47:38Jokic and Valanchunas, two bigs together.
47:42Remember, Minnesota doesn't have Gobert.
47:43He fouled out.
47:48Hyland needs this free throw to make it a one-possession game.
47:52The former Nugget.
47:56Intentionally misses, didn't hit the rim.
47:58Not sure why you intentionally missed there.
48:06Yeah, that either.
48:07Make the free throw, make it a three-point game.
48:08Make the free throw.
48:09I mean, there's plenty of time.
48:10Seven seconds, make the free throw, get a foul.
48:12So, a two-possession game here now.
48:18Denver's going to inbound.
48:19And if you're going to miss it, you for thanks, you better hit the rim.
48:21Yeah.
48:22Give yourself a chance on the offensive glass.
48:25Questionable there.
48:27Hardaway trying to get it into the Joker.
48:28Nearly stolen by DiVincenzo.
48:30Gets called for the foul.
48:33Defending Joker on the inbounds.
48:34That's going to be five.
48:35Six, rather, on Dante, and he's done.
48:42Second, Timberwolves, the foul out.
48:45And Jokic can continue to work on a Christmas masterpiece scoreline.
48:5954-16-15 for the Joker.
49:02Here, Denver headed to the road for the next seven games
49:07and looking for their 22nd win of the season.
49:1121-8 coming in, down three starters.
49:17Jokic and Murray have combined for 89 points so far here tonight.
49:24Making it even, 90.
49:25As David Adelman told us, the head coach,
49:34always trying to reinvent yourself when injuries come
49:38and he's facing three starters down.
49:4456 points for Jokic.
49:47Still down two possessions.
49:50He needed a three.
49:51Got the two there with 2.4 to go.
49:54And the Denver Nuggets on Christmas night.
49:57Blew a lead in the fourth quarter.
50:00Fell down nine points in overtime.
50:02And rallied behind the three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic.
50:06A 56-point triple-double to knock off Minnesota in overtime.
50:12Well, Chris Finch told us he wanted to control Denver's role players.
50:16They did that.
50:16But the spectacular play from Joker and Murray, 91 combined points.
50:23Owning the last three minutes of the overtime.
50:29Tough loss for the Timberwolves who came all the way back.
50:32And there you go.
50:34Most points scored in a Christmas Day game.
50:36The third highest.
50:38Bernard King had those 60 back in 84.
50:40Wilt with 59.
50:43And tonight, Jokic with 56 points.
50:46And let's send it to Alyssa Lange.
50:49Nikola, you guys had to weather the storm to close this one out.
50:52What did it take from this group?
50:53I mean, I think in the first half, we were up 10.
50:56Then they came back.
50:56In the second half, we were up 15.
50:58They came back.
50:59Ant made an amazing shot.
51:03In the overtime, they went on 9-0 a run.
51:06But we, like you said, weathered the storm.
51:07And we found a way to win a game.
51:10You had a 50-plus point triple-double tonight.
51:13How would you describe the type of leadership that you're showing on and off the floor despite
51:18all these different rotations?
51:19Yeah, I mean, we know if somebody gets injured, nobody wants to let that happen.
51:23But another man needs to step up and get the opportunity to play.
51:26And I think the guys are focused.
51:29They play with a lot of energy.
51:31They were sharp.
51:31And, I mean, they contribute to this victory.
51:38How does it feel for an overtime win to cap off Christmas?
51:41I mean, yeah.
51:42I mean, it was a crazy game.
51:44And it's a little bit late.
51:45So, it's nice to finish with the victory.
51:48Thanks, Nikola.
51:49Congrats.
51:49Thank you.
51:50Nikola Jokic.
51:52Third or the fourth straight triple-double Nikola Jokic has had against Minnesota.
51:56He had a 61-point triple-double in two overtimes against them.
52:00He goes for 56 points, 16 rebounds, 15 assists.
52:05He and Jamal Murray combined for 91 points.
52:08And in overtime, it's the Denver Nuggets going to 22-8 on the season.
52:13142-138 outlasting the Minnesota Timberwolves.
52:17Now for Stephanie White, Alyssa Lang, the entire crew, our hard-working crew on Christmas Day
52:22all across ESPN and ABC.
52:25I'm Mark Kestasuri.
52:26Thank you for watching the NBA on ESPN and ABC.
52:29Good night from Denver.
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