Christmas Clash in Denver: Jokic Makes History, Edwards Ejected in Wild OT Finish
Christmas Day in the NBA always brings big moments, and this year’s showdown between the Timberwolves and Nuggets delivered in full. From buzzer-beaters to ejections, the game had everything you’d expect from a holiday classic-and then some.
Let’s start with the ending, because that’s what everyone’s talking about.
With 20.5 seconds left in overtime and the Timberwolves trailing, Anthony Edwards was hit with back-to-back technical fouls and ejected from the game. As he walked toward the tunnel, visibly frustrated, he pointed to each of the three officials on the floor and shouted, “All three of y’all.
One, two, three.” The moment instantly went viral, becoming one of the defining images of the night.
It was a dramatic finish to a game that had already seen Minnesota claw back from a 15-point deficit late in regulation. Edwards was the catalyst in that comeback, drilling a twisting three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds left to force overtime. He came out hot in the extra period, scoring seven quick points before his night ended abruptly with the ejection.
This wasn’t the first time Edwards has worn his emotions on his sleeve when it comes to officiating. Earlier this season, head coach Chris Finch was tossed from a game against Oklahoma City after arguing with referees.
Edwards, clearly fired up by his coach’s passion, said after the win, “I’m f**ing with that. That’s my dawg.
I was happy. I wasn’t happy that he got thrown out of the game, but I was happy.”
He even joked about paying Finch’s fine himself. That kind of loyalty and fire is part of what makes Edwards such a compelling figure-he plays with heart, and he’s not afraid to show it.
But while the Timberwolves left Denver frustrated, the Nuggets were celebrating-thanks to another historic performance from Nikola Jokic.
Jokic put on an absolute clinic, finishing with 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists. Yes, you read that right.
He also etched his name into the NBA record books by scoring 18 points in a single overtime period, the most ever recorded. It was a vintage Jokic performance-calm, calculated, and completely dominant.
He controlled the pace, found teammates in rhythm, and when the Nuggets needed buckets late, he delivered over and over again.
Games like this are why Jokic remains one of the most unguardable players in the league. He doesn’t just score-he manipulates the flow of the game. And when he’s in that kind of rhythm, there’s not much anyone can do to stop him.
For Minnesota, the loss stings-especially after the energy it took to force overtime. Edwards’ ejection cast a shadow over what had been a gutsy performance. But it also underscored just how emotionally charged this team can be, for better or worse.
For Denver, it was a statement win, powered by a generational talent rising to the occasion on the league’s biggest regular-season stage. Christmas Day basketball is about stars showing up when the lights are brightest-and Jokic delivered a performance fans won’t forget anytime soon.
As for Edwards, the passion is undeniable. The challenge now is channeling it in ways that keep him on the floor, especially in moments when his team needs him most.