Nikola Jokic career-high points: Where Nuggets star’s 61-point performance ranks in his NBA career

Nikola Jokic continues to make history, even in losses.

The Nuggets and Timberwolves played an instant classic on Tuesday night, with Minnesota beating Denver 140-139 in double-overtime. That was despite Jokic’s best efforts, as the three-time MVP set both personal and league-wide records in the game.

Jokic has had another stellar season, averaging a career-high 29.7 points and 9.9 rebounds over the course of the season. With this performance, the Nuggets’ center only further solidifies his place in NBA history.

Here’s how Jokic performed on Tuesday night and where his production ranks all-time.

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Nikola Jokic stats vs. Timberwolves

• Minutes: 53
• Points: 61
• Rebounds: 10
• Assists: 10
• Steals: 2
• Turnovers: 4
• FGM/FGA: 18/29
• 3PM/3PA: 6/11
• FTM/FTA: 19/24

Jokic produced a triple-double in Denver’s double-overtime loss to Minnesota, playing a career-high 53 minutes during the contest and scoring a career-high 61 points.

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Nikola Jokic career-high points

Tuesday night’s game against the Timberwolves was the first time that Jokic scored at least 60 points in a game in his career, making his 61 points his career high.

Previously, Jokic scored 56 points against the Wizards in December, which briefly became his career-high, surpassing scoring 50 points in a 2021 game. Now, Jokic has joined the elite club of players to score 60 points in a game. 

Most points in a loss in NBA history

Wilt Chamberlain is responsible for not only three of the five-highest point totals during a loss in NBA history, he’s also responsible for seven of the nine-highest totals in such instances. Only Thompson and Booker have scored 70 points in a loss besides Chamberlain.

With 61 points, Jokic comes in tied for No. 17 all time, as Chamberlain, Jalen Brunson and Michael Jordan also scored 61 points in a loss.

Most points in a triple-double

Jokic’s 61 points against the Timberwolves means he set the record for most points scored in a triple-double, surpassing Luka Doncic and James Harden who were previously tied for the top spot.