Nikola Jokic hit a fadeaway jumper with 2.4 seconds left to give the Denver Nuggets a 100-98 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday — just two days after hitting another game-winner to beat the 76ers.
On Friday, the Nuggets’ All-NBA center hit a 20-foot jumper over Sixers’ guard Josh Richardson‘s hand to put Denver up 98-97 with 1.2 seconds left.
Sunday’s winner came from 15 feet, but was just as contested — and both makes had Jokic’s patented high arc.
“At this point, you just sit back and watch it,” Denver forward Paul Millsap said. “I believe in the shots he’s making, and in those situations we’ve just got to give it to him.”
Jokic finished Sunday’s contest with 20 points, six rebounds and seven assists to help the Nuggets win their fourth straight game, though they nearly let this one slip away.
Denver led by 16 in the fourth when Gary Harris hit a 3 with 6:41 left. But the Nuggets then went scoreless the remainder of regulation and Minnesota put together a 16-0 streak.
Will Barton had 13 points, including a pair of 3s in overtime, and 12 rebounds. Millsap scored all 14 of his points during a big third-quarter run and had 10 rebounds.
“We have to be better in terms of playing with the lead and closing games out,” Denver coach Mike Malone said. “But we never panicked. I thought Will Barton down the stretch was huge — he made some big plays for us. Poised, he was under control.
“Nikola makes another improbable shot. He just adds to the legend of Nikola Jokic.”
Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray left the game early in the third quarter with left foot soreness but later returned. Backup guard Malik Beasley left with an illness after playing five scoreless minutes.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Source : ESPN
