DENVER (AP) — Jamaal Murray hit the go-ahead with 55.9 seconds left, Nikola Jokic broke Denver’s all-time file for assists en path to his first triple-double of the season, and the Nuggets recovered for a 122-118 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday night time .
Jokic completed with 31 factors, 13 assists and 11 rebounds whereas working into unhealthy bother. Two-time NBA Most Invaluable Participant handed Alex English for probably the most assists in staff historical past. Jokic has 3,686 profession assists in 568 video games – an English file 3,679 in 837 video games in a Denver uniform.
Jokic’s teammates made positive to acknowledge this achievement.
“We clapped a little bit bit,” mentioned Murray, who completed with 28 factors. “That is lots of passes. That is spectacular.”
The English thought so, too.
“I knew finally my all-time help file could be damaged. I am honored to see she handed 2, I imply 3 occasions NBA Most Invaluable Participant. Congratulations large fella,” English posted on his Twitter account.
Not one to mince phrases about particular person accolades, Jokic mentioned he appreciated this specific mark.
“When you’ve lots of assists, it simply reveals that you are a good staff participant,” mentioned Jokic, on whose behalf his teammates plan to signal. “That is one thing I need to be. I would like everybody to recollect me as a man who was a extremely good staff participant.”
Murray took over to assist the conference-leading Western Nuggets staff win their fifteenth consecutive dwelling run.
The Nuggets trailed 118-115 when Murray hit a three-pointer with 2:05 remaining to tie the sport. Subsequently, he put in a lead float to provide Denver a lead that he didn’t relinquish.
Bruce Brown completed with 16 factors for the Denver staff that performed Sport Two back-to-back. Nuggets coach Michael Malone remained in NBA well being and security protocol for the second consecutive recreation. David Adelman served as Performing Creative Director.
“Ugly win. Good win. “Who cares? A very good staff wins,” mentioned Adelman.
Adelman in contrast the mix of Murray and Jokic to a contemporary model of John Stockton and Karl Malone. And given the way in which Jokic goes by way of, it is laborious to say who will signify whom.
“I do not assume Stockton can rating like me,” Murray cracked. “I feel we’re very distinctive, as a result of they’re making an attempt to guard us in so many alternative methods.”
Jaden McDaniels led the seven Minnesota gamers with 18 factors. The Timberwolves led by 10 early within the second half.
“I am loopy. I might undoubtedly assist us,” mentioned Anthony Edwards, who was 7-of-17 from the ground, together with 0-for-4 from 3-point vary, and completed with 16 factors.
It was an eventful first quarter for Jokic, who robbed a basket of assessment (a shot clock violation) and had an offensive foul nullified for a problem. He nonetheless had 13 factors within the interval and 5 assists, together with a whole cross to the Browns for a dunk.
“He is bought the thoughts of John Stockton in a 7-foot-tall physique,” mentioned Adelman.
Tip-ins
Timberwolves: F Kyle Anderson completed with 13 factors and 11 rebounds. … C Naz Reid scored 17 factors as he began by sidelining Rudy Gobert with a sore groin. … J Austin Rivers (bruised knee) was inactive.
Nuggets: F Jeff Inexperienced (damaged hand) began 1-on-1 and is “heading the suitable means,” Adelman mentioned. … Aaron Gordon added 12 factors.
household circle
Veteran Nuggets guard Ish Smith performed for head coach Rick Adelman when he was a starter with Houston in 2010.
Now, he’s a back-up on the bench for Ben Adelman.
Smith cracked “Small World”. “I all the time say to (David), ‘You are going to be head coach quickly.’ It is a nice take a look at for him. The fellows are enjoying laborious.”
simple going
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch appreciates the relaxed demeanor of Tim Connelly, the Timberwolves’ president of basketball operations. Connelly performed an analogous position with Denver—and helped construct the staff into what it’s as we speak—earlier than he left final spring.
“He is all the time asking me to have enjoyable, which is straightforward however laborious to maintain up generally,” mentioned Finch. “It is all the time actually constructive.”
subsequent one
Timberwolves: Host Toronto Thursday night time.
Nuggets: Host Indiana on Friday night time.
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