By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
For the first time in his career, Nikola Jokic scored at least 40 points in two consecutive NBA games.
On Monday night, the Denver Nuggets edged out the Toronto Raptors, 127-125, in overtime at Scotiabank Arena.
After tallying 41 points against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second showing of the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season, the Serbian superstar put up 40 points in Toronto, including points seven in overtime.
Lasting a game-high 43 minutes, the Joker made 18/27 field goals, including 3/5 from beyond the arc. His brilliant effort stretched to ten rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and one steal.
With time running out in the fourth quarter, his sidekick Jamal Murray forced overtime with a game-tying bucket. The 27-year-old Canadian combo guard ended up with 17 points.
Croatian Dario Saric was limited to four minutes, missed all of his three shots, and committed two turnovers, besides registering one assist and one rebound. Slovenian Vlatko Cancar stayed on the bench.
“I do not believe in moral victories, I believe in winning,” mentioned Darko Rajakovic, the Serbian head coach of the Raptors, after his side was forced down to 1-3, “I thought we competed for most of the game.”
Starting center, Austrian Jakob Poeltl posted a 16-point, 19-rebound double-double alongside two assists and one block in 40 minutes.
With 24 seconds remaining in regulation, Scottie Barnes was elbowed in the right eye and did not return. He was up to 21 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.