Surreal: Westbrook’s blunder overshadows Jokic’s historic performance

Ball Arena hosted the fourth matchup of the season between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. This game marked a new chapter in their rivalry, which had once been defined by the Nuggets’ shocking playoff loss to the Timberwolves, ending Denver’s reign as NBA champions.

The Nuggets-Timberwolves rivalry

The Timberwolves’ brief rise had ended in the West Finals against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks (not the Los Angeles Lakers, in case anyone forgot). This time around, it was a battle with much more at stake: Denver was fighting for the second seed in the West, currently held by the Houston Rockets, in hopes of securing home-court advantage for at least one playoff round - provided they can avoid the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder, the clear favorites for the championship alongside the Boston Celtics, with a nod to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who now raise more questions than answers. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, were aiming to avoid the Play-in Tournament and secure a direct playoff spot, while also trying to get some rest after a grueling season to better prepare for the postseason. Fresh legs and well-rested bodies were the goal.

This season has been full of ups and downs for both teams, but the memory of an unforgettable playoff series still lingers. In that series, the Timberwolves shocked everyone by going up 2-0 in Denver, where the high altitude typically makes things difficult for visitors. The Nuggets bounced back, winning three straight games, and there was a brief return to the idea of a repeat title. But in the end, the Timberwolves pulled off an upset, advancing to their first Conference Finals since 2004, led by the legendary Kevin Garnett. The Timberwolves sealed the deal with a dominant 45-point win at home and then a 90-98 victory in Colorado, handing the Nuggets their first playoff exit as reigning champions.

Despite Jokic’s heroic efforts and Denver’s home-court advantage, the Timberwolves, led by Chris Finch, triumphed. Their season may have ended sooner than expected, but it was one of their best in recent memory.

Both teams’ rocky season

However, both teams have had struggles this season. Denver, for example, let Kentavious Caldwell-Pope go, leaving a crucial gap in the lineup, as if past greatness automatically meant irrelevance in the future. The signing of Russell Westbrook (who has had some excellent moments despite his critics) also raised eyebrows. The Nuggets’ overreliance on Jokic has been glaring - if he’s not on the court, Denver often looks lost, and despite his remarkable triple-double performances, he’s not winning MVP, because the NBA seems determined to award it to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is talented, but no one is quite on Jokic’s level.

As for the Timberwolves, they were forced to trade Karl-Anthony Towns to clear salary space and prevent ego clashes. They brought in Julius Randle, a player known for his lack of defense and difficult adjustment period, but who has now become an integral part of their team. The organization is now firmly in the hands of Anthony Edwards, who is having the best statistical season of his career and whose trash talk is as memorable as his on-court skills.

A lot of changes, yet the end result is still uncertain for both teams, which are simply trying to get back to where they once were, though without the same supporting pieces.

How Russell Westbrook ruined Nikola Jokic’s historic night

The Timberwolves entered the game with momentum, having won five consecutive games against the Nuggets, including the last two playoff meetings and three from the current season. And they added a fourth win in a thrilling game that left everyone talking, securing an incredible 140-139 victory in double overtime.

With a one-point lead and under a second left after a timeout, the Timberwolves lost the ball. Russell Westbrook, always at the center of the action, grabbed it and, instead of holding off, went straight to the basket. Not only did he miss an easy layup, but he also gave the Timberwolves a second chance.

The final sequence saw Nickeil Alexander-Walker, with a contested three-pointer, miss... but he was fouled. By who? Westbrook, of course. Trying to atone for his earlier mistake, Westbrook made a fatal error, rushing in and committing a clear foul - something he didn’t argue, despite some controversial officiating calls in the final quarter. After a review, Alexander-Walker hit both free throws, sealing the Timberwolves’ surreal victory in what was truly an extraordinary and historic finish.

Jokic’s performance was nothing short of sensational. Despite Denver’s heavy reliance on him - he played almost the entire second half (entering with 6:28 left in the second quarter and never leaving) - Jokic scored 61 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists in nearly 53 minutes of play. He shot 18 of 29 from the field, 6 of 11 from three-point range, and 19 of 24 from the free-throw line.

Jokic, who touches the ball on nearly every play, was supported by Aaron Gordon’s 30 points, Christian Braun’s 18 (with 12 rebounds), and Westbrook’s 12 points. However, Westbrook’s five turnovers, 4/11 from the field and 0/3 from the three-point range did little to help the Nuggets’ cause, and he squandered one of the best individual performances in recent memory.

The Nuggets have now lost six straight to the Timberwolves, including playoff games, and they are 0-4 in games where Jokic scores 50 or more points. Another sobering stat on an already tragic night for Westbrook, who at 36, continues to make costly mistakes. As the final buzzer sounded, he walked off the court with his head down, fully aware of what had just transpired.

For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards was the star, posting 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists in 50 minutes, shooting 12 of 25 from the field, 5 of 15 from three, and 5 of 7 from the free-throw line. Edwards was the calm force who led his team through the clutch moments. But he wasn’t alone. Rudy Gobert added 19 points and 12 rebounds (6 offensive), though he was on the bench in the closing moments (as usual). Julius Randle contributed 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, spending a lot of time guarding Jokic, who took full advantage. Mike Conley had 9 points but brought stability during the overtime periods, while Alexander-Walker contributed 26 off the bench. Jaden McDaniels (12 points) and Josh Minott (10 points) provided valuable contributions.

The Timberwolves were simply the better team on the night, overcoming a Denver squad they’ve figured out and a team that, despite its potential, could still fall into the Play-in Tournament (they’re currently tied for seventh with the Grizzlies at 44-32). It was an iconic, magical, and unique game - one of those games that leaves you speechless and is a bright spot in what is otherwise a fairly uneventful season. And it was all made possible by, among others, Russell Westbrook. A reminder that in sports, anything can happen.

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