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Michael C. Wright
Multiple Authors
DENVER — With mere seconds remaining in overtime, and the Denver Nuggets holding a two-point lead over the San Antonio Spurs, three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic drove into the lane as Victor Wembanyama assumed a defensive stance.
Jokic backed Wembanyama down, feigned a pass to Christian Braun, then swiftly executed his signature “Sombor Shuffle” for an 11-foot step-back jumper over the outstretched arm of the 7-foot-5 star center.
A bewildered Wembanyama looked away, concluding a Saturday game filled with thrilling, back-and-forth plays from two top contenders for this season’s NBA MVP award. Fueled by Jokic’s game-leading 40 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds, three blocks, and zero turnovers, Denver broke San Antonio’s 11-game winning streak and extended its own to eight straight victories with a 136-134 triumph in the extra period.
“I’d pay good money to watch these two teams compete,” Nuggets coach David Adelman said.
Indeed, the sellout crowd of 20,039 at Ball Arena surely agreed after witnessing Jokic achieve his third career performance with at least 40 points, 10 assists, and three blocks. According to ESPN Research, only Dwyane Wade has recorded more such games (5) since blocks were first tracked (1973-74). It also marked Jokic’s seventh career game with at least 30 points and 10 assists without any turnovers.
Jokic sank another crucial shot over Wembanyama in the final minute of overtime, hitting a floater with 9.8 seconds remaining.
“He’s undeniably the orchestrator who makes you pay for any slight mistake or lapse,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said of Jokic. “He possesses every trick, counter, and skill to exploit you.”
In a short, narrow corridor behind double doors next to the visiting team’s locker room, Wembanyama leaned forward in a plastic chair, absorbing the intensity of his seventh head-to-head battle against Jokic, who now leads the matchup 5-2. The 22-year-old spearheaded San Antonio’s effort with 34 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists, and five blocks, becoming the first Spurs player to achieve at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in three consecutive outings, as per ESPN Research.
Wembanyama is also the first player since Shaquille O’Neal during his 1999-2000 MVP season to tally three consecutive games with a minimum of 30 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks (O’Neal accomplished this feat in four straight contests) and to accumulate at least 100 points, 50 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 blocks over a three-game span.
“I thought it was an amazing game,” Wembanyama said. “Extremely fun. One of the most enjoyable games. I wish we could have closed it out. Everything that transpired tonight benefits us. It was a genuine test against a team currently contending for something meaningful. It carried a bit of a playoff atmosphere. They have the world’s best offensive player. So, when you enter these games, you must always prioritize defense.”
The Spurs held a 107-96 advantage with 9:08 left to play before the Nuggets’ 17-8 run, capped by Jokic’s jumper, brought them within two points with 4:12 remaining in regulation. San Antonio then regained a six-point lead after Wembanyama converted a pair of free throws with 1:39 left.
However, on Denver’s subsequent offensive possession, Cameron Johnson drilled a 3-pointer off an assist from Jokic and was fouled by De’Aaron Fox. Johnson made the ensuing free throw, narrowing the Nuggets’ deficit to two points with 1:24 left in regulation. Aaron Gordon then tied the score at 124-124 with 6.2 seconds remaining, sending the game into overtime.
In the extra period, Jokic lit up the Spurs for seven points on 3-of-4 shooting, while Wembanyama managed only two points. Nevertheless, in playing a season-high 40 minutes, Wembanyama left a profound impression on Jokic, who already admired the All-Star.
“I remember the first time I played against him, I told you guys he’s going to transform the league. He’s going to change basketball,” Jokic said. “I still hold that belief. And I think he has the opportunity, the chance, to become the most unique basketball player to ever grace the game.”
Across their three regular-season matchups, both the Spurs and Nuggets have each scored over 130 points, marking the first time since the 1983-84 season, according to ESPN Research, that two teams have individually notched at least 130 points in three games against each other within a single season.
Intriguingly, San Antonio and Denver were the last teams to achieve that particular feat.
So, prepare for an exciting season finale between these two teams on April 12 in San Antonio.
“They’re likely the two most singular players in basketball over the last decade [with] the manner in which they accomplish things,” Adelman said of Jokic and Wembanyama. “Their diverse skill sets are so distinct from other players in the league. Two incredible athletes. This is the type of game you’d gladly buy a ticket to witness.”