Nikola Jokic addressed the late-game mistakes by Russell Westbrook that ultimately cost the Denver Nuggets a hard-fought battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

© Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesNikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Portland Trail Blazers in the first quarter at Ball Arena.

The Denver Nuggets suffered a heartbreaking 140-139 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game that went to double overtime. Denver was in position to seal the win, but two crucial mistakes by Russell Westbrook in the final moments proved costly, prompting Nikola Jokic to send a clear message about what happened

With just 10 seconds left and the Nuggets up by one, Minnesota turned the ball over, giving Denver a chance to extend the lead. However, Westbrook missed a layup that could have put the team up by three.

The situation worsened when, on defense, he fouled Nickeil Alexander-Walker on a three-point attempt, sending him to the free-throw line. Alexander-Walker sank two of his three shots, securing the victory for Minnesota.

The mistakes overshadowed an incredible performance from Jokic, who put up a career-high 61 points, along with 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Despite the tough loss, the three-time NBA MVP was quick to defend his teammate.

Russell Westbrook #4 fouls Nickeil Alexander-Walker #9 on a three point attempt as time expires. (Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

“It happened, it’s basketball,” Jokic said in his postgame press conference. “I’m pretty sure that he didn’t want to make a foul or whatever. It happens. He had the best, I would say, thoughts. It happens”.

Nuggets HC defends Westbrook

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone also came to Westbrook’s defense, acknowledging the veteran’s effort despite the costly errors. “I feel awful for him because when you put forth that kind of an effort, you put so much into it, and you don’t get the result,” Malone said.

“I just feel bad for our guys. It never comes down to who deserves to win, but our guys did everything within their power to win that game, and it didn’t go our way”.

Malone also emphasized that the loss was a team failure, not just one player’s mistake. “I know who Russell Westbrook is. He’s a guy that hates to lose,” he continued.

“Knowing Russ the way I do, he’s probably going to put a lot of this on him. But we lost tonight, the Denver Nuggets. We as a collective group lost the game tonight, not one player”.

Jokic reflects on his 61-point performance

Even in defeat, Jokic’s 61-point performance was historic. The Serbian superstar addressed the media postgame, offering a unique perspective on his mindset as an athlete.

“We’re born for this. We’ve been training since we were kids. My opinion is that horses are like athletes; they’re very similar to us. They’re born to run, and we’re born to play,” Jokic said.