Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is not pointing fingers after their 140-139 double-overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. His reaction comes after an insane 61-point triple-double that almost gave them the win.
During the second overtime of the game, Russell Westbrook committed a series of costly mistakes that ultimately led to Denver losing to the Timberwolves. These include missing an easy lay-up with 17.7 seconds left and fouling Nickeil Alexander-Walker towards the end, which led to a couple of free throws that secured the victory for Minnesota.
Fans quickly criticized Westbrook for his poor play and bad decision-making that resulted in the loss, with many also saying that he wasted Jokic's insane performance of 61 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Instead of blaming Westbrook, however, Jokic focused on his teammate's intentions and how he had the best in mind.
"Why? What happened, it's basketball," Jokic said when asked what he would say to Westbrook following the disastrous ending to their game, "I'm pretty sure that he didn't want to make a foul or whatever. It happens. He had the best, I would say, thoughts. It happens."
Nikola Jokic talks about the Nuggets 2OT loss to the Timberwolves, Russell Westbrook, matching up with Minnesota in the playoffs, and his historic 60-point triple-double pic.twitter.com/bBUHkMsrB4
— Chris Tavarez (@ChrisTavarez) April 2, 2025
Even with the loss to the Timberwolves, the Nuggets are still holding on to the third seed in the Western Conference. They currently have a record of 47-29 after Tuesday's game.
With the playoffs starting soon, the Nuggets are clearly hoping to maintain a top-four seed in the West and avoid falling to the Play-In Tournament spots. With Jokic leading by example on and off the court, though, the Mile High City team is definitely in good hands.
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This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 6:58 AM.