Nikola Jokic's 61-point triple-double isn't enough to beat Timberwolves

With the Nuggets leading by a point in the final seconds of double overtime, Westbrook stole the ball from Anthony Edwards. But Westbrook missed a layup, then fouled Nickeil Alexander-Walker on a three-point attempt with 0.1 seconds to go. NAW made the first two free throws and missed the last one on purpose to give the Timberwolves a 140-139 win.

It was the sixth straight time the Timberwolves beat the Nuggets, dating back to the final games of their second-round playoff series last May. The Nuggets were up by 11 points with under seven minutes to go before Edwards came alive. He had 13 points, two rebounds and two assists in the final 6:34 of regulation, forcing Jokic to sink two free throws with 13 seconds left to tie it.

In the first overtime, the Timberwolves took a six-point lead before Jokic hit a three-pointer, assisted Aaron Gordon on another three and then scored over Edwards with seven seconds to go to force a second extra period.

Jokic made his first two shots of double OT to get to 60 points, but he might be thinking of the free throw he missed. With 20 seconds to go, Westbrook missed one of two free throws, but the Nuggets got the ball. 

Then, Jokic was fouled and also made just one of two. It's hard to complain about a 61-point triple-double, but a 62-point triple-double might have been enough to win.

Now, the Nuggets have been swept for the season series by the Timberwolves, who pulled out the win despite Rudy Gobert fouling out at the end of regulation. This week, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone told reporters he thought Minnesota played harder in its battles with Denver, while the Nuggets treated the matchups like "just another game."

There were 10 ties or lead changes in the second overtime, so it's safe to say the Nuggets treated this one like a rivalry game. Perhaps Westbrook was trying too hard when he whiffed on the layup and crashed into Alexander-Walker, who had 26 points off the bench.

With starters Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. out, it's understandable that the Nuggets fell short. But the way that they fell short is disappointing. Jokic may be putting up staggering numbers, but the Timberwolves have the Nuggets' number.