Nikola Jokic, Nuggets Win OT Thriller vs. Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves

A Christmas Day Classic: Denver Outlasts Minnesota 128-125 in Overtime

On December 25, 2025, the NBA delivered one of its most memorable Christmas Day games in recent history as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-125 in overtime at Ball Arena. In a matchup billed as a potential Western Conference Finals preview, Nikola Jokić and Anthony Edwards put on a dazzling two-man show, trading haymakers for 53 minutes in front of a national ABC audience.

Jokić finished with a jaw-dropping 42 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks, while Edwards countered with 38 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and relentless defensive pressure. The game featured 18 lead changes, 12 ties, and neither team leading by more than nine points at any moment. When the final buzzer sounded in overtime, the Nuggets had survived—barely—thanks to a Jokić masterclass and clutch plays down the stretch.

This thriller not only lived up to the holiday hype but reinforced why these two teams remain among the West’s elite, even as both navigate injuries and roster adjustments throughout the early season.

First Half: Edwards Sets the Tone Early

The game started at a blistering pace. Anthony Edwards wasted no time asserting himself, scoring 14 points in the first quarter alone on a mix of pull-up threes, explosive drives, and mid-range jumpers. The Timberwolves jumped out to an early 32-27 lead after one, fueled by Edwards’ aggression and strong transition play.

Denver responded behind Jokić’s playmaking. The three-time MVP found cutters like Christian Braun and Julian Strawther for easy buckets while also scoring efficiently in the post. Jamal Murray, returning from a hamstring issue that sidelined him earlier in the month, looked sharp with 12 first-half points.

By halftime, Minnesota held a slim 62-59 advantage. Edwards had 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting, while Jokić had quietly compiled 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Both stars were locked in, and the national audience could sense something special brewing.

Third Quarter Fireworks: Lead Changes Galore

The second half turned into a track meet. Denver opened the third on a 12-4 run, sparked by Jokić’s dominance in the paint and Murray’s timely threes. But every time the Nuggets threatened to pull away, Edwards answered.

Midway through the third, Edwards hit back-to-back threes—one a step-back over Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the next a transition bomb—to swing momentum back to Minnesota. Rudy Gobert controlled the glass, altering shots and finishing lobs, while Julius Randle provided secondary scoring with 16 points through three quarters.

Denver’s bench stepped up huge. Peyton Watson brought defensive energy and athletic finishes, while Russell Westbrook injected chaos and playmaking off the pine. The third quarter ended with Denver up 92-90, setting up a wild finish.

Regulation Crunch Time: Heroes and Heartbreak

The fourth quarter was pure drama.

With 4:30 left, Edwards drove baseline and threw down a ferocious one-handed dunk over Aaron Gordon, drawing the foul for a three-point play that gave Minnesota a 110-107 lead. The Timberwolves crowd—many of whom traveled to Denver—was electric.

Jokić responded with a vintage sombor shuffle fadeaway, then found Gordon for a corner three to tie it at 113. Edwards answered with a tough mid-range pull-up. Murray hit a driving floater. Back and forth they went.

With 28 seconds left and the score tied 115-115, Edwards isolated against Gordon, spun baseline, and rose for what looked like a game-winning dunk—only to be met by a monstrous block from Jokić, who came flying in from the weak side. The ball went out off Minnesota, giving Denver the final possession.

Murray’s step-back three at the buzzer clanged off the rim, sending the game to overtime tied at 115.

Overtime: Jokić Takes Over

Overtime belonged to the Joker.

Jokić scored Denver’s first eight points of the extra period—two post hooks, a three-pointer, and an and-one finish through Gobert. Edwards kept Minnesota alive with tough runners and free throws, but Denver’s supporting cast finally delivered the knockout blows.

With 1:10 left, Christian Braun stripped Edwards on a drive and raced the other way for a transition dunk that pushed Denver’s lead to 126-122. After Edwards hit a three to cut it to one, Jokić sealed it with two free throws and a defensive rebound on the final possession.

Final: Nuggets 128, Timberwolves 125.

Box Score Highlights

Denver Nuggets (22-11)

• Nikola Jokić: 42 pts, 16 reb, 8 ast, 4 stl, 2 blk (16-28 FG, 3-6 3PT)
• Jamal Murray: 26 pts, 6 ast, 4 reb
• Christian Braun: 14 pts, 7 reb, 3 stl
• Aaron Gordon: 12 pts, 8 reb
• Russell Westbrook: 9 pts, 7 ast off bench

Minnesota Timberwolves (20-13)

• Anthony Edwards: 38 pts, 9 reb, 7 ast (14-29 FG, 5-12 3PT)
• Julius Randle: 21 pts, 8 reb
• Rudy Gobert: 12 pts, 14 reb, 3 blk
• Donte DiVincenzo: 15 pts
• Naz Reid: 11 pts off bench

Team Notes: Denver shot 51% from the field and dominated points in the paint 62-48. Minnesota won the fast-break battle 22-15 but couldn’t overcome 14 turnovers.

Postgame Reactions

Nikola Jokić, as usual, downplayed his heroics: “It was a great game. Ant was amazing. Both teams played hard. I’m just happy we got the win on Christmas.”

Anthony Edwards was gracious in defeat: “Jokić is the best player in the world for a reason. That block at the end of regulation… man, that was tough. We’ll see them again.”

Nuggets coach Michael Malone praised the competitive spirit: “This is why you love Christmas Day games. Two heavyweights going at it. Proud of our guys for finding a way.”

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch lamented missed opportunities: “We had our chances. Give Denver credit—they made the plays when it mattered.”

Why This Game Mattered

Beyond the entertainment value, this Christmas clash carried real stakes.

Denver, sitting atop the Northwest Division, reinforced their status as the West’s most dangerous team when healthy. Jokić’s performance served as another reminder that he’s in the thick of yet another MVP race, especially with performances like this against elite competition.

For Minnesota, the loss snapped a four-game win streak but proved they can go toe-to-toe with anyone. Edwards continues to elevate his game into superstardom, and the Timberwolves remain a legitimate threat despite roster turnover from last season’s Western Conference Finals run.

These teams split their season series 2-2 in 2024-25, and a playoff rematch feels inevitable.

Individual Breakdown: Jokić vs. Edwards

This game was the latest chapter in what is becoming one of the league’s best rivalries.

Jokić showcased why he’s the most unique superstar in basketball—unstoppable in the post, lethal from three when needed, and always one step ahead as a passer and defender. His chase-down block on Edwards will live in highlight reels for years.

Edwards, meanwhile, proved he’s no longer just an athletic marvel—he’s a skilled, cold-blooded scorer who can carry an offense for long stretches. His ability to match Jokić bucket-for-bucket kept Minnesota in it until the final minutes.

At 24, Edwards is ascending. At 30, Jokić is at his peak. Their head-to-head battles are must-watch TV.

Supporting Cast Contributions

While the stars dominated headlines, role players made massive impacts.

Christian Braun continues to emerge as Denver’s X-factor, providing athleticism, defense, and timely scoring. His strip and dunk in OT was arguably the play of the game outside of Jokić’s block.

For Minnesota, Julius Randle has settled in nicely as the third option, providing scoring punch and playmaking. Rudy Gobert’s rim protection kept drives difficult all night.

National Reaction and Social Media Buzz

Social media exploded during and after the game.

• “Jokić just blocked Ant’s soul” trended nationwide after the regulation-ending rejection.
• “Christmas Day Jokić is undefeated” became a meme.
• Analysts like Kendrick Perkins declared it “an instant classic.”
• Even LeBron James tweeted: “What a GAME!! Jok and Ant went at it!!”

The game drew massive ratings, reportedly the highest for a Christmas Day matchup since the 2010s Lakers-Heat finals rematch.

Looking Ahead

Both teams return to action quickly in the loaded holiday schedule.

Denver hosts the Utah Jazz on December 27, while Minnesota travels to Houston on the same night. With the West as competitive as ever, every game matters—and this Christmas thriller only raised the bar for what’s to come.

Conclusion: A Holiday Gift for Basketball Fans

In an era where load management and blowouts sometimes dampen big-stage games, this Nuggets-Timberwolves overtime battle was a throwback to the best of NBA competition. Nikola Jokić and Anthony Edwards delivered superstar performances worthy of the spotlight, backed by hungry teammates and dramatic momentum swings.

For Denver, it was a statement win that keeps them in the driver’s seat out West. For Minnesota, it was a moral victory that proves they’re still very much in the championship conversation.

Christmas Day 2025 gave basketball fans exactly what they wanted: a thrilling, high-level game between two of the league’s best. And with Jokić and Edwards leading the way, the future matchups between these teams promise even more fireworks.