The Nuggets entered the All-Star break winners of six of its last seven while the Timberwolves capped Thursday's two-game slate with a 119-111 win over the Lakers.
Denver tied a franchise record with 24 3-pointers made (one shy of NBA record) on 40 attempts en route to a 134-123 win over the Bucks in Milwaukee.
Nikola Jokic reaped the benefits of the shootout, tallying 30 points, 15 rebounds and a career-high 17 assists. The Nuggets big man recorded a triple-double with 1:54 remaining in the second quarter. With the rare feat, Jokic became the fastest to record a triple-double in NBA history (14 minutes, 33 seconds of playing time).
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Giannis Antetokounmpo also recorded a triple-double with 36 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. It was Antetokounmpo's ninth career triple-double, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most in Bucks history.
Thursday's nightcap saw the Wolves rally in the fourth quarter for its 36th win of the season, fifth-most in league at the All-Star break. Minnesota outscored the Lakers 35-20 in the final period thanks in part to Jamal Crawford's seven points in just over two minutes to begin the quarter.
With Karl-Anthony Towns (2 of 9) and Jimmy Butler (7 of 20) struggling from the floor, veteran big man Taj Gibson stepped up with a season-high 28 points to pace the Timberwolves.
STUDS OF THE NIGHT
Jokic starred for the Nuggets but he got plenty of backcourt help from Jamal Murray and Gary Harris who combined for 54 points. Like Jokic (11 of 14), Murray (9 of 12) missed just three field goals on the night.
DUD OF THE NIGHT
Isaiah Thomas' shooting woes continued despite a move from the Cavs to the Lakers. The 5-9 guard was just 3 of 15 from the floor, finishing with seven points and four turnovers.
WHAT'S NEXT
All-Star weekend begins Friday in Los Angeles with the Celebrity Game (7 p.m. ET) and the Rising Stars Challenge (9 p.m. ET). Sixers teammates Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons will lead the World Team in the Rising Stars Challenge against U.S. Team's Brandon Ingram, Donovan Mitchell and Co.
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