Nuggets Rally Past Blazers in OT: Jokic Drops 35-13-13

Nikola Jokic's heroics lead Denver to a thrilling comeback victory over Portland

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:16am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in progress, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of vibrant colors, capturing the energy and intensity of the competition.Jokic's heroic performance and the Nuggets' thrilling comeback victory over the Blazers showcase the evolving dynamics of the modern NBA, where mental toughness and adaptability are as crucial as raw talent.Denver Today

The Denver Nuggets overcame a 16-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 137-132 in overtime on Monday night. Nuggets star Nikola Jokic recorded his 33rd triple-double of the season with 35 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists, leading Denver's furious comeback. The Blazers set a franchise record with 25 made three-pointers, but their reliance on the long ball ultimately proved to be their downfall as they were outscored 35-16 in the final period.

Why it matters

This game highlights the evolving dynamics of the modern NBA, where teams are increasingly living and dying by the three-point shot. Jokic's ability to involve his teammates and dictate the pace proved to be the difference, showcasing the value of a pass-first superstar in a league dominated by isolation scorers. The result also has significant playoff implications, as the Nuggets solidified their position in the tight Western Conference standings.

The details

After falling behind by 16 points in the fourth quarter, the Nuggets mounted a furious rally led by Jokic. The Serbian big man orchestrated the comeback, finding open teammates like Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon for timely shots. Meanwhile, the Blazers' reliance on three-pointers backfired as they went cold from beyond the arc in the final period, allowing the Nuggets to erase the deficit and force overtime.

  • The Nuggets trailed by 16 points in the fourth quarter.
  • Jokic recorded his 33rd triple-double of the season.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star center, who is widely regarded as one of the best all-around players in the NBA. Jokic's ability to impact the game as a scorer, passer, and rebounder is a key reason for the Nuggets' success.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' starting point guard, who played a crucial role in the team's comeback with his clutch performance in overtime.

Aaron Gordon

The Nuggets' versatile forward, who hit several important three-pointers to help fuel Denver's rally.

Toumani Camara

The Trail Blazers' forward, who scored a team-high 30 points and showcased Portland's offensive firepower.

Deni Avdija

The Trail Blazers' guard, who was efficient from the free-throw line and contributed to Portland's three-point barrage.

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What’s next

The Nuggets will look to continue their momentum as they push for a higher playoff seed in the Western Conference, while the Blazers will need to regroup and find a more balanced offensive approach to avoid similar late-game collapses.

The takeaway

This game showcases the importance of mental toughness and adaptability in the modern NBA. The Nuggets' ability to stay composed and execute when it mattered most was the difference, highlighting the value of a superstar like Jokic who can elevate his teammates and lead a comeback. The Blazers' reliance on the three-point shot is a double-edged sword, and they'll need to find a more sustainable offensive strategy to compete with the league's elite teams.