Jokic's 35-Point Masterclass Lifts Nuggets Past Blazers in OT, Denver Claims 3 Seed
Nikola Jokic just put on a show that reminded everyone why Denver's offense runs through him. The MVP candidate dropped 35 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out 13 assists to lead the Nuggets past the Portland Trail Blazers 137-132 in overtime Monday night. This wasn't just another statline either: Jokic recorded his 33rd triple-double of the season, and Denver is now sitting in the Western Conference's 3 seed after moving to 51-28.
The Comeback That Proved Denver Doesn't Quit
Portland looked like they had this one locked up. The Blazers built a 115-99 lead with 8:13 left in the fourth quarter, riding 30 points from Toumani Camara (who was unconscious from three, hitting eight of Portland's franchise-record 25 made threes) and 26 points from Deni Avdija. But this Nuggets team has ice in its veins. Denver sparked a 21-5 run to cut the lead down to just one, with Jokic scoring 10 points during that stretch. Avdija hit two free throws to push it to 123-120, but Aaron Gordon answered with a corner three to tie it up. Gordon then hit a baseline 20-footer to give Denver a 125-123 lead. Avdija's layup tied it with 20 seconds left, and Jokic missed at the buzzer to send this one to overtime. Sound familiar? This is now back-to-back overtime wins for Denver, who pulled off the same magic against San Antonio on Saturday.
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Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon closed this out in OT. Both hit three-pointers to open overtime and give Denver a six-point lead. Murray's two free throws and a dunk made it 135-128, and he capped it off by feeding Jokic for the game-sealing layup. Murray finished with 20 points, and Gordon added 23. This ninth straight win is now tied for the longest winning streak in the Jokic era for Denver.
Portland's three-game win streak is over, and they've dropped to ninth in the West at 40-39, now a half-game behind the LA Clippers. Denver's in a strong position heading into the final week, but they don't own the tiebreaker with the Lakers, who sit at 50-28 just a half-game back. The Nuggets will need to finish one game ahead of L.A. to clinch the 3 seed.
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