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Nikola Jokić, Nuggets Hailed By NBA Fans in Win vs. Maxey, 76ers with Joel Embiid Out

Zach BacharContributor IFebruary 1, 2025

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 31: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 31, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

The Denver Nuggets snapped a three-game losing streak on Friday night, taking down the Philadelphia 76ers by the final score of 137-134 at the Wells Fargo Center.

With the Nuggets maintaining a narrow one-point lead late in the fourth quarter, Nikola Jokić connected on a floater with 12 seconds left that pushed Denver's lead to three.

NBA @NBA

JOKER FLOATER. 🃏<br><br>3-POINT NUGGETS LEAD.<br><br>12.7 SECONDS. SIXERS BALL. ESPN. 🍿 <a href="https://t.co/JxxGSMywMT">pic.twitter.com/JxxGSMywMT</a>

The 76ers cut the deficit to one with a bucket by Kelly Oubre Jr. shortly afterwards, but Jamal Murray connected on a pair of free throws and a last-second three-point attempt from Guerschon Yabusele missed to seal the win for the Nuggets.

Jokić nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 28 points and 13 assists to go along with nine rebounds. He shot 11-16 from the field, connecting on two of his three attempts from behind the arc.

The three-time MVP stepped up to secure the victory, scoring eight points within the final minute of regulation.

ESPN @espn

JOKIC CLUTCH THREE❗<br><br>📺 ESPN <a href="https://t.co/SBpg2bYqmS">pic.twitter.com/SBpg2bYqmS</a>

Fans were in awe of the heroics from Jokić.

StatMuse @statmuse

Jokic tonight:<br><br>28 PTS<br>9 REB<br>13 AST<br><br>Dropped 8 points in the final minute. <a href="https://t.co/cpuIrJBxzq">pic.twitter.com/cpuIrJBxzq</a>

WADE 🏀 @Its_Wade

Jokic just wanted to work on some clutch time scenarios. That's all.

Ethical Hoops🏆 (only takes Ws) @EthicalHoopz

I am not even exaggerating when I say Nikola Jokić is the most clutch basketball player of all time

Josh Rosen @Joshimpressions

Jokic might be the best offensive player I've ever seen.

Jokic Muse @_JokicMuse_

Nikola Jokic might mess around and win MVP and Clutch Player of the Year in the same season.

Bennett Durando @BennettDurando

Nikola Jokic scored 11 of the Nuggets' last 15 points after they trailed the 76ers 125-122 with 2:15 to play. Game-tying 3, go-ahead 3-point play, game-winning 3, driving insurance bucket.

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps

Final: Nuggets 137, Sixers 134<br><br>Denver escapes with a wild win behind 28-9-13 from Nikola Jokic, who scored or assisted on 13 straight points in the crunch time to pull out the win.<br><br>Massive game from Tyrese Maxey, who had 42 &amp; 9, in the loss to snap Philly's 4 game win streak.

Murray scored a team-high 31 points and dished out 11 assists, while Michael Porter Jr. chipped in with 24 points and six rebounds on 10-14 shooting.

For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey nearly led his team to an impressive win by finishing with 42 points and nine assists. He shot 15-26 from the field and hit six three-pointers.

Philadelphia was ultimately unable to overcome the absences of Joel Embiid and Paul George, who were out with knee and finger issues respectively.

The Nuggets improved to 29-19 with the victory, maintaining the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference standings.