These stories often start with a statement about how we’re oh so accustomed to what Nikola Jokic does on a night-in, night-out basis. About how it shouldn’t go underappreciated simply because we expect it. What he did against the Timberwolves on Christmas Night was so absurd that you can’t even say it was expected. You certainly can’t pass it off as usual.

By posting 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists, Jokic became the first player to record a 55/15/15+ statline in the history of the NBA. With 18 of those points coming in overtime, Jokic also set the league’s single-game record for the most points in a single extra period. One historic achievement in a game is typical for Jokic, but two is a monument to his dominance.

Despite Jokic’s overtime scoring outburst (albeit, aided by free throws), the Nuggets had to overcome a nine-point deficit after leading by double-digits at multiple points in the second half. When you have a star as even-keeled as Jokic is, it’s safe to assume his teammates are willing to follow his lead. 

“We were up 10, then in the third quarter we were up 15, then we were down in the nine in overtime,” Jokic said. “I think we just need to stay in the spot. Don’t get too high, don't get too low and just try to try to control what you can control. In those minutes, you just have to stay composed and believe in your team and yourself.”

With the win, the Nuggets pushed their record to 22-8 through 30 games and currently sit in third place in the Western Conference, a game back of the San Antonio Spurs for second and 3.5 games back of the Oklahoma City Thunder for third. Perhaps the biggest reason for that is the team’s perseverance, whether it’s through injuries or turbulent play.

“We didn't quit,” Jokic said. “Since I’ve been here, this team never quits and I always say that too. We believed in ourselves and we made a quick little run 6-0 in like 30 seconds and then did that again. It gave us life. We fight, you know, we have injured guys, but we play small probably the most of the game and it was a tough game. It was a fight.”

Thursday’s game was an outstanding nightcap for the NBA as the league fights with the NFL to keep its prestigious standing in the Christmas Day attention market. The Nuggets and Timberwolves are clearly two teams that will be seeing plenty more of each other over the next handful of years, even if Jokic downplays the rivalry aspect of the matchup himself.

“I don't believe in a rivalry,” Jokic said. “I don't believe in beef or whatever, if there is any. For me, it's just another game I mean, they're really tough team to beat. They have some really good players over there and then they don't quit either.”