By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Jokic’s latest brilliant display led the Denver Nuggets to a 2-2 record in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season.
Coming off an overtime win against the Toronto Raptors in Scotiabank Arena on Monday, the Nuggets outlasted the Brooklyn Nets, 144-139, after five extra minutes in Barclays Center on Tuesday.
“It is just five extra minutes. It is not that much extra playing time,” the Serbian superstar downplayed back-to-back overtimes on the road, “I am glad we had the momentum going in and I think we controlled the overtime.”
Dorian Finney-Smith missing a free throw with 24 seconds on the clock allowed the Nuggets to pursue an inside bucket and the Joker tied the game with 8.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Finney-Smith also missed a three-pointer as time ran out.
In overtime, Jokic went on to put in four of his 29 points, helping his side secure a win. Adding 18 rebounds and 16 assists, he became only the second player in NBA history with such stats in a single game. Oscar Robertson went for at least 29 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists on two occasions during his career.
“The fact that we fought against a team like this, it means a lot to our group. And we know that next step is going to help us break through, not just against a good team but a great team with an unbelievable player that put up an unbelievable performance,” reacted Jordi Fernandez, the Spanish head coach of the Nets.
Croatian Dario Saric recorded three points and two rebounds over 12 minutes. Slovenian Vlatko Cancar did not play.
Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook recovered from a rocky start with the Nuggets by tallying 22 points and five assists. “He was pushing the pace. He played really good,” noted Jokic.
The starting point guard of the Nets, German Dennis Schroder posted a 28-point, 14-assist double-double. Croatian Bojan Bogdanovic (left foot injury recovery) remained sidelined.