Once again, Nikola Jokic showed why he is the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player and why he should win the award two years in a row.
Jokic took over in the fourth quarter and overtime and led the Nuggets to a 138-130 comeback win in OT over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night at Ball Arena.
Jokic scored 30 of his 46 points in the fourth quarter and overtime and finished with his 17th triple-double of the season. Along with his 46 points, he had 12 rebounds and 11 assists.
His two free throws with 3.2 seconds left in regulation tied the score and set the stage for overtime.
The Nuggets built an early 21-point lead but New Orleans came all the way back and finally took the lead, 72-71, on Brandon Ingram's jumper with 5:36 left in the third quarter.
As the Nuggets were struggling in the second half, head coach Michael Malone was ejected late in the third quarter after picking up two technical fouls.
But behind Jokic and forward Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets came back.
Gordon finished with 28 points and eight rebounds. Monte Morris had 18 points.
The Nuggets are back at it against the Golden St. Warriors on Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m. MST.
Postgame comments from Nuggets center Nikola Jokic.
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Postgame comments from Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon.
Postgame comments from Nuggets head coach Michael Malone.