Game ID: 22301099
San Antonio Spurs @ Denver Nuggets
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final
DEN 30 25 31 24 110SAS 23 31 31 20 105
DEN vs SAS ScoutingDEN vs SAS Scouting
Welcome to the scouting desk. The coffee is cold, the film is play-by-play, and somebody has to explain what happened.
Every game has a hinge — a stretch where it was decided, usually while everyone was watching something else. Start where the evidence lives: the Lineups' face-offs say which five actually won their minutes; the Possessions ledger says who ran ahead of the night's own pace; the Shot Chart says where the points really came from, which is rarely where the highlights were. When all three agree, that is the story. When they don't — that is why this desk has a chair.
DEN availability going into 3/25 · 1 day's restOUT Strawther missed 4 since 3/17, returns tonight: 22 min (207% of 11)
BACK Jordan back 3/21 after 15, 14 min since (132% of 11)
DEN availability going into 3/27 · 1 day's restOUT Murray missed 2 since 3/23, out tonight
BACK Jordan back 3/21 after 15, 14 min since (131% of 11)
BACK Strawther back 3/25 after 4, 22 min since (207% of 11)
DEN availability going into 3/29 · 1 day's restOUT Murray missed 3 since 3/23, out tonight
BACK Jordan back 3/21 after 15, 14 min since (131% of 11)
BACK Strawther back 3/25 after 4, 13 min since (121% of 11)
DEN availability going into 3/31 · 1 day's restOUT Murray missed 4 since 3/23, out tonight
BACK Jordan back 3/21 after 15, 13 min since (122% of 11)
BACK Strawther back 3/25 after 4, 9 min since (83% of 11)
NEW Jackson 21 to 26 min over the last 5
DEN availability going into 4/02 · 1 day's restOUT Murray missed 5 since 3/23, out tonight
BACK Strawther back 3/25 after 4, 7 min since (71% of 11)
NEW Jackson 21 to 28 min over the last 5
NEW Braun 20 to 25 min over the last 5
DEN availability going into 4/04 · 1 day's restOUT Murray missed 6 since 3/23, out tonight
BACK Strawther back 3/25 after 4, 7 min since (71% of 11)
NEW Jackson 21 to 28 min over the last 5
DEN availability going into 4/06 · 1 day's restOUT Murray missed 7 since 3/23, returns tonight: 21 min (64% of 33)
NEW Jackson 21 to 27 min over the last 5
NEW Braun 20 to 26 min over the last 5
DEN availability going into 4/09 · 2 days' restBACK Murray back 4/06 after 7, 21 min since (64% of 33)
NEW Jackson 21 to 26 min over the last 5
NEW Braun 20 to 28 min over the last 5
DEN availability going into 4/10 · back-to-backOUT Gordon missed 2 since 4/06, returns tonight: 28 min (87% of 32)
OUT Jordan missed 2 since 4/06, out tonight
BACK Murray back 4/06 after 7, 24 min since (73% of 33)
NEW Braun 20 to 29 min over the last 5
NEW Watson 18 to 23 min over the last 5
SAS availability going into 3/25 · 1 day's restOUT Gray missed 5 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Duke Jr. missed 5 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Cissoko missed 10 since 3/05, out tonight
BACK Osman back 3/17 after 4, 15 min since (87% of 18)
BACK Graham back 3/23 after 4, 9 min since (65% of 14)
SAS availability going into 3/27 · 1 day's restOUT Gray missed 6 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Duke Jr. missed 6 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Cissoko missed 11 since 3/05, out tonight
BACK Osman back 3/17 after 4, 15 min since (86% of 18)
BACK Graham back 3/23 after 4, 9 min since (65% of 14)
SAS availability going into 3/29 · 1 day's restOUT Graham missed 2 since 3/25, out tonight
OUT Gray missed 7 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Duke Jr. missed 7 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Cissoko missed 12 since 3/05, out tonight
SAS availability going into 3/31 · 1 day's restOUT Graham missed 3 since 3/25, returns tonight: 18 min (135% of 14)
OUT Gray missed 8 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Duke Jr. missed 8 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Cissoko missed 13 since 3/05, out tonight
SAS availability going into 4/02 · 1 day's restOUT Gray missed 9 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Duke Jr. missed 9 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Cissoko missed 14 since 3/05, returns tonight: 5 min (43% of 12)
BACK Graham back 3/23 after 4, 14 min since (100% of 14)
NEW Champagnie 20 to 29 min over the last 5
SAS availability going into 4/05 · 2 days' restOUT Johnson missed 2 since 3/31, out tonight
OUT Gray missed 10 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Duke Jr. missed 10 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Bouyea missed 2 since 3/31, out tonight
BACK Graham back 3/31 after 3, 19 min since (139% of 14)
BACK Cissoko back 4/02 after 14, 5 min since (43% of 12)
NEW Vassell 33 to 39 min over the last 3
NEW Champagnie 20 to 31 min over the last 5
SAS availability going into 4/07 · 1 day's restOUT Johnson missed 3 since 3/31, returns tonight: 24 min (80% of 30)
OUT Gray missed 11 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Duke Jr. missed 11 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Bouyea missed 3 since 3/31, out tonight
BACK Graham back 3/31 after 3, 21 min since (153% of 14)
BACK Cissoko back 4/02 after 14, 6 min since (47% of 12)
NEW Jones 28 to 33 min over the last 5
NEW Branham 21 to 28 min over the last 5
NEW Champagnie 20 to 35 min over the last 5
NEW Osman 18 to 23 min over the last 4
SAS availability going into 4/09 · 1 day's restOUT Gray missed 12 since 3/15, returns tonight: 4 min (30% of 13)
OUT Duke Jr. missed 12 since 3/15, returns tonight: 3 min (25% of 13)
OUT Bouyea missed 4 since 3/31, returns tonight: 3 min (25% of 13)
BACK Johnson back 4/07 after 3, 24 min since (80% of 30)
BACK Graham back 3/31 after 3, 24 min since (179% of 14)
BACK Cissoko back 4/02 after 14, 6 min since (47% of 12)
NEW Wembanyama 30 to 36 min over the last 5
NEW Jones 28 to 36 min over the last 5
NEW Branham 21 to 33 min over the last 5
NEW Champagnie 20 to 36 min over the last 5
NEW Osman 18 to 25 min over the last 3
SAS availability going into 4/10 · back-to-backBACK Johnson back 4/07 after 3, 24 min since (80% of 30)
BACK Graham back 3/31 after 3, 24 min since (174% of 14)
BACK Gray back 4/09 after 12, 4 min since (30% of 13)
BACK Duke Jr. back 4/09 after 12, 3 min since (25% of 13)
BACK Bouyea back 4/09 after 4, 3 min since (25% of 13)
BACK Cissoko back 4/02 after 14, 11 min since (92% of 12)
NEW Jones 28 to 36 min over the last 5
NEW Branham 21 to 35 min over the last 5
NEW Champagnie 20 to 37 min over the last 5
I Know — the desk, before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Denver comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 113 a night and allowing 106, shooting 48 percent and 39 from three, 21 free throws a game; Jokić at 27 and Jackson at 16 a game. It has won the glass by 6 a night. Without Murray (5 straight). One day's rest. San Antonio comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 114 a night and allowing 117, shooting 48 percent and 37 from three, 22 free throws a game; Wembanyama at 26 and Vassell at 20 a game. One day's rest.
So: Denver wins, and the game turns on the defense, Denver allowing 106 a night to San Antonio's 117 and the glass, where Denver has been plus-6 a night and San Antonio minus-1. Call it Denver 117, San Antonio 110.
3/25 vs MEM 128-103 — DEN notes
DEN won 128-103. DEN shot 53% (48 of 90) to MEM's 39%, 15 of 32 from three, and got to the line 18 times to MEM's 27. The glass went 50-40 for them. Jokić led with 29 (11 of 18, 6 of 7 at the line); Braun added 17, Jackson 15. The hinge was Q1, 39-24: from level to 15 ahead, and the lead reached 31. Holiday was the night's best plus/minus at +22.
3/27 vs PHX 97-104 — DEN notes
DEN lost 97-104. DEN shot 43% (38 of 88) to PHX's 47%, 10 of 40 from three. DEN turned it over 8 times to PHX's 16. The glass went 38-51 against them. Jokić led with 22 (9 of 16, 1 of 5 from three); A. Gordon added 18, Porter Jr. 18. Q4 was theirs, 24-21, the deficit cut from 10 to 7, but the other 3 periods went 83-73 against them. Braun's -19 in 15 minutes was the worst on the floor.
3/29 vs MIN 98-111 — DEN notes
DEN lost 98-111. DEN took 14 more shots (88 to 74), fed by 13 offensive rebounds, but shot 40% to MIN's 51%, 8 of 28 from three, and got to the line 27 times to MIN's 37. DEN turned it over 12 times to MIN's 7. Jokić led with 32 (11 of 24, 0 of 3 from three, 10 of 13 at the line); Porter Jr. added 14, Gordon 14. Q4 was theirs, 34-24, the deficit cut from 23 to 13, but the other 3 periods went 87-64 against them. Caldwell-Pope's -15 in 28 minutes was the worst on the floor.
3/31 vs CLE 130-101 — DEN notes
DEN won 130-101. DEN shot 57% (50 of 87) to CLE's 46%, 21 of 33 from three, and got to the line 13 times to CLE's 21. The glass went 51-28 for them. Jokić led with 26 (11 of 18); Caldwell-Pope added 22, Porter Jr. 19. The hinge was Q3, 36-21: a lead of 9 became 24, and the lead reached 29. Jokić was the night's best plus/minus at +37.
4/02 vs SAS 110-105 — DEN notes
DEN won 110-105. DEN shot 44% (43 of 98) to SAS's 40%, 11 of 34 from three. Jokić led with 42 (18 of 32, 1 of 6 from three, 5 of 6 at the line); Gordon added 23, Porter Jr. 15. The hinge was Q1, 30-23: from level to 7 ahead.
4/04 @ LAC — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
The Clippers come in 3-2 over their last five, scoring 110 a night and allowing 113, shooting 49 percent and 39 from three, 23 free throws a game; George at 24 and Leonard at 24 a game. Without Tucker (3 straight). One day's rest. Denver comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 113 a night and allowing 105, shooting 47 percent and 39 from three, 17 free throws a game; Jokić at 30 and Gordon at 16 a game. It has won the glass by 4 a night. Without Murray (6 straight). One day's rest.
So: Denver wins, on the road, and the game turns on the glass, where Denver has been plus-4 a night and the Clippers minus-2 and the defense, Denver allowing 105 a night to the Clippers' 113. Call it Denver 112, the Clippers 111, the Clippers keeping it close.
4/06 vs ATL — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Denver comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 107 a night and allowing 105, shooting 45 percent and 36 from three, 19 free throws a game; Jokić at 32 and Gordon at 16 a game. Without Murray (7 straight). One day's rest. Atlanta comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 113 a night and allowing 113, shooting 48 percent and 38 from three, 16 free throws a game; Murray at 24 and Bogdanović at 22 a game. Without Young (21 straight). One day's rest.
So: Denver wins, and the game turns on the defense, Denver allowing 105 a night to Atlanta's 113 and the turnovers, Atlanta giving it away 15 times a game to Denver's 11. Call it Denver 115, Atlanta 110.
4/09 @ UTA — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Utah comes in 0-5 over its last five, scoring 106 a night and allowing 121, shooting 44 percent and 37 from three, 23 free throws a game; Sexton at 19 and George at 13 a game. That is 5 straight losses. It has lost the glass by 8 a night. One day's rest. Denver comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 116 a night and allowing 106, shooting 49 percent and 43 from three, 19 free throws a game; Jokić at 31 and Porter Jr. at 16 a game. It has won the glass by 7 a night. 2 days' rest.
So: Denver wins, on the road, and the game turns on the glass, where Denver has been plus-7 a night and Utah minus-8 and the defense, Denver allowing 106 a night to Utah's 121. Call it Denver 117, Utah 111.
4/10 vs MIN — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Denver comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 119 a night and allowing 103, shooting 51 percent and 44 from three, 16 free throws a game; Jokić at 30 and Gordon at 16 a game. It has won the glass by 5 a night. Without Gordon (2 straight). Second night of a back-to-back. Minnesota comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 118 a night and allowing 105, shooting 49 percent and 42 from three, 21 free throws a game; Edwards at 29 and Reid at 18 a game. Without Towns (17 straight). Second night of a back-to-back.
So: Denver wins, and the game turns on the glass, where Denver has been plus-5 a night and Minnesota plus-1. Call it Denver 112, Minnesota 110, Minnesota keeping it close.
3/25 vs PHX 104-102 — SAS notes
SAS won 104-102. SAS shot 44% (40 of 91) to PHX's 51%, 8 of 31 from three. SAS turned it over 7 times to PHX's 14. Sochan led with 26 (10 of 19, 1 of 7 from three); Vassell added 26, Collins 18. The hinge was Q1, 29-22: from level to 7 ahead. SAS trailed 47-50 at the half and won the second half 57-52. Wesley was the night's best plus/minus at +15.
3/27 @ UTA 118-111 — SAS notes
SAS won 118-111. SAS shot 51% (44 of 86) to UTA's 47%, 16 of 33 from three. Vassell led with 31 (12 of 20, 4 of 8 from three); Wembanyama added 19, Sochan 17. The hinge was Q1, 29-15: from level to 14 ahead, and the lead reached 19. Wembanyama was the night's best plus/minus at +10.
3/29 vs NYK 130-126 — SAS notes
SAS won 130-126 in 1 overtime. SAS shot 54% (44 of 82) to NYK's 46%, 16 of 40 from three, and went to the line 32 times to NYK's 12 — 26 points from the stripe to their 10. Wembanyama led with 40 (13 of 22, 4 of 9 from three, 10 of 12 at the line); Vassell added 23, Johnson 17. The hinge was Q1, 38-27: from level to 11 ahead, and the lead reached 21. Johnson was the night's best plus/minus at +23.
3/31 vs GSW 113-117 — SAS notes
SAS lost 113-117. SAS shot 45% (40 of 89) to GSW's 49%, 17 of 43 from three. Wembanyama led with 32 (10 of 22, 3 of 10 from three, 9 of 10 at the line); Osman added 18, Collins 13. Q1 was theirs, 34-27, but the other 3 periods went 90-79 against them. They led by as many as 13. Jones's -11 in 32 minutes was the worst on the floor.
4/02 @ DEN 105-110 — SAS notes
SAS lost 105-110. SAS shot 40% (42 of 105) to DEN's 44%, 13 of 44 from three. Branham led with 24 (10 of 19, 3 of 8 from three); Wembanyama added 23, Collins 13. Q2 was theirs, 31-25, the deficit cut from 7 to 1, but the other 3 periods went 85-74 against them. Graham's -20 in 19 minutes was the worst on the floor.
4/05 @ NOP — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
New Orleans comes in 1-4 over its last five, scoring 106 a night and allowing 113, shooting 44 percent and 36 from three, 25 free throws a game; Williamson at 25 and McCollum at 25 a game. That is 3 straight losses. It has lost the glass by 6 a night. Without Ingram (7 straight), Alvarado (4 straight). One day's rest. San Antonio comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 114 a night and allowing 113, shooting 46 percent and 37 from three, 21 free throws a game; Wembanyama at 28 and Vassell at 27 a game. Without Johnson (2 straight). 2 days' rest.
So: New Orleans wins, and the game turns on the glass, where San Antonio has been plus-1 a night and New Orleans minus-6 and the turnovers, San Antonio giving it away 14 times a game to New Orleans's 9. Call it New Orleans 115, San Antonio 111, San Antonio keeping it close.
4/07 vs PHI — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
San Antonio comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 115 a night and allowing 115, shooting 48 percent and 38 from three, 20 free throws a game; Wembanyama at 26 and Branham at 15 a game. Without Johnson (3 straight). One day's rest. Philadelphia comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 117 a night and allowing 109, shooting 50 percent and 44 from three, 18 free throws a game; Embiid at 28 and Harris at 20 a game. That is 4 straight wins. Without Harris (2 straight), Melton (20 straight). Second night of a back-to-back.
So: San Antonio wins, and the game turns on the arc, Philadelphia at 44 percent from three to San Antonio's 38 and the defense, Philadelphia allowing 109 a night to San Antonio's 115. Call it San Antonio 115, Philadelphia 114, Philadelphia keeping it close.
4/09 @ MEM — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Memphis comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 103 a night and allowing 107, shooting 44 percent and 33 from three, 19 free throws a game; Jackson Jr. at 26 and Jackson at 14 a game. It has won the glass by 6 a night. Without Aldama (3 straight), Kennard (2 straight), Williams (17 straight). 2 days' rest. San Antonio comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 117 a night and allowing 119, shooting 46 percent and 36 from three, 21 free throws a game; Wembanyama at 29 and Branham at 16 a game. One day's rest.
So: Memphis wins, and the game turns on the defense, Memphis allowing 107 a night to San Antonio's 119. Call it Memphis 113, San Antonio 111, San Antonio keeping it close.
4/10 @ OKC — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
OKC comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 110 a night and allowing 119, shooting 47 percent and 35 from three, 24 free throws a game; Holmgren at 17 and Dort at 16 a game. It has lost the glass by 6 a night. Second night of a back-to-back. San Antonio comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 111 a night and allowing 111, shooting 45 percent and 34 from three, 16 free throws a game; Wembanyama at 25 and Branham at 16 a game. Second night of a back-to-back.
So: OKC wins, and the game turns on the glass, where San Antonio has been plus-4 a night and OKC minus-6 and the line, where OKC takes 24 free throws a game to San Antonio's 16. Call it OKC 116, San Antonio 113, San Antonio keeping it close.
Who is who
the initials in the Players column
DENAG A. Gordon
CB C. Braun
DJ D. Jordan
JH J. Holiday
JO Jokic
KC K. Caldwell-Pope
MP M. Porter Jr.
NJ N. Jokić
PW P. Watson
RJ R. Jackson
SASBW B. Wesley
CO C. Osman
DG D. Graham
JC J. Champagnie
MB M. Branham
SC S. Cissoko
SM S. Mamukelashvili
TJ T. Jones
VW V. Wembanyama
ZC Z. Collins
DEN/SAS the team itself, not a player
-- the feed named nobody
What
What happened
the codes in the Events column
M2 / M3 made 2 / made 3
X2 / X3 missed 2 / missed 3
FT / X1 free throw made / missed
AST assist
OR / DR offensive / defensive rebound
STL steal
BLK block
TO turnover
FL foul
OF offensive foul — ends the possession
VIOL violation
JUMP jump ball
TM timeout
IR instant replay
HE heave at the buzzer, filed to the team
END the clock ran out, ball in hand
Where
Where a shot came from
the middle field of M3.LW.25
RM at the rim inside 4 ft
RC right corner
RW right wing
SO straight on
LW left wing
LC left corner
M3.LW.25 made 3, left wing, 25 ft
X2.RM.01 missed 2, at the rim, 1 ft
When
When it happened
the Offset column
one number per event, in the Events order:
whole seconds from the start of the
possession to that event
Events FL X3.RC.23 OR M2.RM.01
Offset 0 18 22 24
the foul opens the possession at 0s;
the putback ends it at 24s, which is
the possession's own Dur
SAS @ DEN Possessions
|||
Q1Q2Q3Q4END11024:2223:38105+5+0:44
# Team Start Dur TOP PM PlayersEventsOffset
Q11 DEN Q1 12:00 26s 0:26AGA. GordonMPM. Porter Jr.JUMP X3.SO.260 232 SAS Q1 11:34 8s 0:08+2VWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaMBM. BranhamDR AST M2.RM.020 8 83 DEN Q1 11:26 19s 0:45+3MPM. Porter Jr.AGA. GordonAST M3.LW.2519 194 SAS Q1 11:07 24s 0:32VWV. WembanyamaX2.LW.08225 DEN Q1 10:43 9s 0:54MPM. Porter Jr.MPM. Porter Jr.DR X3.LC.230 86 SAS Q1 10:34 10s 0:42VWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaDR X3.SO.280 67 DEN Q1 10:24 11s 1:05+2NJN. JokićNJN. JokićNJN. JokićNJN. JokićDR X2.RM.04 OR M20 10 11 118 SAS Q1 10:13 17s 0:59VWV. WembanyamaCOC. OsmanBLK X3.SO.250 149 DEN Q1 09:56 6s 1:11+2NJN. JokićNJN. JokićDR M2.SO.040 610 SAS Q1 09:50 18s 1:17COC. OsmanX2.RM.021611 DEN Q1 09:32 5s 1:16RJR. JacksonAGA. GordonMPM. Porter Jr.BLK DR TO0 0 512 SAS Q1 09:27 12s 1:29VWV. WembanyamaTO1213 DEN Q1 09:15 5s 1:21+2MPM. Porter Jr.AGA. GordonNJN. JokićSTL AST M2.RM.000 5 514 SAS Q1 09:10 12s 1:41+1SASSAS — teamVWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaTM FT X10 10 1015 DEN Q1 08:58 16s 1:37+2AGA. GordonNJN. JokićKCK. Caldwell-PopeNJN. JokićNJN. JokićFL DR X2.RM.03 OR M20 0 14 16 1616 SAS Q1 08:42 11s 1:52VWV. WembanyamaX3.RW.25817 DEN Q1 08:31 24s 2:01+2MPM. Porter Jr.RJR. JacksonAGA. GordonAGA. GordonDR X3.LC.23 OR M20 21 23 2418 SAS Q1 08:07 24s 2:16MBM. BranhamVWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaX2.RM.04 OR X2.RM.0221 22 2319 DEN Q1 07:43 18s 2:19NJN. JokićMPM. Porter Jr.DR X2.LW.150 1520 SAS Q1 07:25 4s 2:20+2TJT. JonesJCJ. ChampagnieCOC. OsmanDR AST M2.RM.020 4 421 DEN Q1 07:21 22s 2:41MPM. Porter Jr.NJN. JokićVIOL X3.SO.250 1922 SAS Q1 06:59 13s 2:33+2COC. OsmanVWV. WembanyamaJCJ. ChampagnieDR AST M2.RM.020 13 1323 DEN Q1 06:46 17s 2:58+2AGA. GordonAGA. GordonFT FT17 1724 SAS Q1 06:29 10s 2:43+2COC. OsmanVWV. WembanyamaFL M2.RM.040 1025 DEN Q1 06:19 12s 3:10NJN. JokićX2.RM.021026 SAS Q1 06:07 9s 2:52+2VWV. WembanyamaTJT. JonesJCJ. ChampagnieVWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaBLK DR X2.RW.21 OR X2 OR M20 0 4 7 7 8 927 DEN Q1 05:58 6s 3:16+2AGA. GordonAGA. GordonNJN. JokićBLK AST M2.RM.010 6 628 SAS Q1 05:52 12s 3:04+2JCJ. ChampagnieSASSAS — teamJCJ. ChampagnieJCJ. ChampagnieX1 OR FT FT12 12 12 1229 DEN Q1 05:40 15s 3:31KCK. Caldwell-PopeKCK. Caldwell-PopeFL X2.RW.180 1130 SAS Q1 05:25 6s 3:10+3DGD. GrahamDGD. GrahamVWV. WembanyamaDR AST M3.SO.260 6 631 DEN Q1 05:19 18s 3:49KCK. Caldwell-PopeX3.LW.251632 SAS Q1 05:01 10s 3:20+2VWV. WembanyamaDGD. GrahamVWV. WembanyamaDR AST M2.RM.010 10 1033 DEN Q1 04:51 16s 4:05NJN. JokićTO1634 SAS Q1 04:35 20s 3:40+2VWV. WembanyamaM2.RW.052035 DEN Q1 04:15 26s 4:31KCK. Caldwell-PopeX2.RC.052336 SAS Q1 03:49 16s 3:56DGD. GrahamJCJ. ChampagnieSMS. MamukelashviliJCJ. ChampagnieDR X2.RM.01 OR TO0 4 6 1637 DEN Q1 03:33 5s 4:36+3NJN. JokićJOJokicMPM. Porter Jr.STL AST M3.LW.250 5 538 SAS Q1 03:28 18s 4:14DGD. GrahamX3.RW.241539 DEN Q1 03:10 10s 4:46MPM. Porter Jr.MPM. Porter Jr.DR X2.SO.220 640 SAS Q1 03:00 9s 4:23SMS. MamukelashviliVWV. WembanyamaDR X2.RM.020 741 DEN Q1 02:51 5s 4:51+2NJN. JokićCBC. BraunPWP. WatsonPWP. WatsonDR X3.LW.26 OR M20 3 5 542 SAS Q1 02:46 13s 4:36VWV. WembanyamaX3.RW.241343 DEN Q1 02:33 19s 5:10+3MPM. Porter Jr.DENDEN — teamNJN. JokićPWP. WatsonJOJokicCBC. BraunDR TM X2.SO.18 OR AST M3.RC.230 5 14 17 19 1944 SAS Q1 02:14 25s 5:01DGD. GrahamDGD. GrahamZCZ. CollinsFL FL X2.SO.120 0 2445 DEN Q1 01:49 8s 5:18NJN. JokićNJN. JokićDR X3.SO.250 546 SAS Q1 01:41 18s 5:19+3BWB. WesleyBWB. WesleyZCZ. CollinsDR AST M3.SO.260 18 1847 DEN Q1 01:23 14s 5:32+2RJR. JacksonCBC. BraunNJN. JokićFL AST M2.RM.010 14 1448 SAS Q1 01:09 17s 5:36SMS. MamukelashviliX2.RC.101549 DEN Q1 00:52 20s 5:52+3JHJ. HolidayRJR. JacksonNJN. JokićDR AST M3.SO.260 20 2050 SAS Q1 00:32 25s 6:01BWB. WesleySASSAS — teamSASSAS — teamX2.RC.22 OR TO24 26 2651 DEN Q1 00:07 7s 5:59NJN. JokićDENDEN — teamX3.SO.25 OR6 7Q252 SAS Q2 12:00 23s 6:24ZCZ. CollinsX2.SO.062053 DEN Q2 11:37 14s 6:13DJD. JordanRJR. JacksonDR X2.RC.090 1254 SAS Q2 11:23 14s 6:38ZCZ. CollinsZCZ. CollinsBWB. WesleySASSAS — teamBWB. WesleyFL DR X1 OR X1678 0 12 12 1255 DEN Q2 11:09 20s 6:33DJD. JordanPWP. WatsonRJR. JacksonFL DR X2.LW.200 0 1756 SAS Q2 10:49 22s 7:00+2SMS. MamukelashviliCOC. OsmanZCZ. CollinsDR AST M2.RM.030 22 2257 DEN Q2 10:27 22s 6:55PWP. WatsonJHJ. HolidayFL X2.RW.190 1958 SAS Q2 10:05 18s 7:18+2SMS. MamukelashviliBWB. WesleyZCZ. CollinsZCZ. CollinsTJT. JonesDR X2.RM.01 OR AST M2.LW.160 4 6 18 1859 DEN Q2 09:47 17s 7:12PWP. WatsonRJR. JacksonBLK X2.RC.070 1660 SAS Q2 09:30 8s 7:26COC. OsmanSMS. MamukelashviliDR X3.RC.230 661 DEN Q2 09:22 12s 7:24CBC. BraunJHJ. HolidayDR X2.RM.040 1062 SAS Q2 09:10 8s 7:34+3SMS. MamukelashviliZCZ. CollinsTJT. JonesDR AST M3.LW.270 8 863 DEN Q2 09:02 16s 7:40+2DENDEN — teamMPM. Porter Jr.RJR. JacksonTM AST M2.RM.031 16 1664 SAS Q2 08:46 16s 7:50BWB. WesleyX2.RM.011465 DEN Q2 08:30 11s 7:51+2JHJ. HolidayDJD. JordanJHJ. HolidayPWP. WatsonBLK DR AST M2.RW.120 0 11 1166 SAS Q2 08:19 19s 8:09ZCZ. CollinsX3.SO.251567 DEN Q2 08:00 16s 8:07+3MPM. Porter Jr.MPM. Porter Jr.DR M3.SO.250 1668 SAS Q2 07:44 22s 8:31+3BWB. WesleyMBM. BranhamAST M3.LW.2622 2269 DEN Q2 07:22 26s 8:33PWP. WatsonX3.RC.232370 SAS Q2 06:56 10s 8:41ZCZ. CollinsBWB. WesleyDR TO0 1071 DEN Q2 06:46 13s 8:46RJR. JacksonTO1372 SAS Q2 06:33 5s 8:46+3VWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaMBM. BranhamSTL AST M3.LC.230 5 573 DEN Q2 06:28 17s 9:03DENDEN — teamMPM. Porter Jr.TM X2.RM.001 1574 SAS Q2 06:11 6s 8:52VWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaCOC. OsmanBLK DR X3.LW.250 0 475 DEN Q2 06:05 15s 9:18NJN. JokićAGA. GordonDR X3.LW.240 1276 SAS Q2 05:50 17s 9:09+3MBM. BranhamJCJ. ChampagnieTJT. JonesMBM. BranhamFL DR AST M3.RW.250 0 17 1777 DEN Q2 05:33 25s 9:43NJN. JokićX2.SO.182278 SAS Q2 05:08 15s 9:24+2JCJ. ChampagnieVWV. WembanyamaMBM. BranhamDR AST M2.RM.000 15 1579 DEN Q2 04:53 17s 10:00+2JOJokicMPM. Porter Jr.AST M2.RM.0217 1780 SAS Q2 04:36 17s 9:41+2TJT. JonesVWV. WembanyamaAST M2.RM.0317 1781 DEN Q2 04:19 12s 10:12KCK. Caldwell-PopeX3.LW.25982 SAS Q2 04:07 4s 9:45+3TJT. JonesTJT. JonesCOC. OsmanDR AST M3.LW.250 4 483 DEN Q2 04:03 21s 10:33+2CBC. BraunNJN. JokićAST M2.SO.0821 2184 SAS Q2 03:42 12s 9:57+2SASSAS — teamDGD. GrahamMBM. BranhamTM AST M2.RM.030 12 1285 DEN Q2 03:30 23s 10:56+2CBC. BraunCBC. BraunFT FT23 2386 SAS Q2 03:07 12s 10:09MBM. BranhamVWV. WembanyamaFL X3.SO.260 987 DEN Q2 02:55 8s 11:04+2MPM. Porter Jr.JOJokicAGA. GordonDR AST M2.RM.010 8 888 SAS Q2 02:47 20s 10:29JCJ. ChampagnieX3.RC.231889 DEN Q2 02:27 12s 11:16AGA. GordonMPM. Porter Jr.DR X2.RM.010 1090 SAS Q2 02:15 3s 10:32+1JCJ. ChampagnieCOC. OsmanMBM. BranhamSASSAS — teamMBM. BranhamBLK DR X1 OR FT0 0 3 3 391 DEN Q2 02:12 10s 11:26+2AGA. GordonAGA. GordonAGA. GordonAGA. GordonFL X2.RM.02 OR M20 8 10 1092 SAS Q2 02:02 16s 10:48+3VWV. WembanyamaTJT. JonesCOC. OsmanBLK AST M3.LW.250 16 1693 DEN Q2 01:46 12s 11:38+2MPM. Porter Jr.DENDEN — teamMPM. Porter Jr.MPM. Porter Jr.X1 OR FT FT12 12 12 1294 SAS Q2 01:34 17s 11:05MBM. BranhamVWV. WembanyamaFL X2.RW.190 1695 DEN Q2 01:17 10s 11:48+2MPM. Porter Jr.CBC. BraunAGA. GordonDR AST M2.RM.010 10 1096 SAS Q2 01:07 6s 11:11+2VWV. WembanyamaCOC. OsmanAST M2.RM.016 697 DEN Q2 01:01 20s 12:08+2NJN. JokićMPM. Porter Jr.MPM. Porter Jr.X2.RW.06 OR M219 20 2098 SAS Q2 00:41 10s 11:21VWV. WembanyamaX2.RM.021099 DEN Q2 00:31 5s 12:12+2MPM. Porter Jr.NJN. JokićDR M2.RM.010 5100 SAS Q2 00:26 26s 11:48VWV. WembanyamaSASSAS — teamX3.RW.25 OR25 26Q3101 SAS Q3 12:00 17s 12:04MBM. BranhamX3.RW.2514102 DEN Q3 11:43 9s 12:22+2CBC. BraunAGA. GordonNJN. JokićNJN. JokićNJN. JokićFL DR X2.RM.01 OR M2696 0 7 8 9103 SAS Q3 11:34 7s 12:12+2TJT. JonesVWV. WembanyamaAST M2.RM.017 7104 DEN Q3 11:27 27s 12:48+2RJR. JacksonNJN. JokićAST M2.RM.0127 27105 SAS Q3 11:00 9s 12:20VWV. WembanyamaTJT. JonesTJT. JonesFL OR X2.RM.020 2 7106 DEN Q3 10:51 15s 13:04MPM. Porter Jr.MPM. Porter Jr.MPM. Porter Jr.BLK DR X2.RW.210 0 13107 SAS Q3 10:36 6s 12:26+2SMS. MamukelashviliVWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaMBM. BranhamFL DR AST M2.RM.000 0 6 6108 DEN Q3 10:30 14s 13:18+2KCK. Caldwell-PopeAGA. GordonAST M2.LW.1214 14109 SAS Q3 10:16 20s 12:46MBM. BranhamSASSAS — teamMBM. BranhamX3.RC.23 OR X2.RM.0213 14 18110 DEN Q3 09:56 6s 13:24NJN. JokićNJN. JokićMPM. Porter Jr.FL DR X3.LC.240 0 4111 SAS Q3 09:50 30s 13:16+2MBM. BranhamTJT. JonesTJT. JonesJCJ. ChampagnieSMS. MamukelashviliSMS. MamukelashviliJCJ. ChampagnieJCJ. ChampagnieDR X3.SO.25 OR X3.RW.25 OR X3.RC.24 OR M2.RW.040 8 12 14 14 25 28 30112 DEN Q3 09:20 17s 13:40+2DENDEN — teamRJR. JacksonTM M2.SO.121 17113 SAS Q3 09:03 7s 13:24+2TJT. JonesJCJ. ChampagnieAST M2.RM.017 7114 DEN Q3 08:56 15s 13:56RJR. JacksonX2.RM.0314115 SAS Q3 08:41 3s 13:26+2VWV. WembanyamaTJT. JonesSMS. MamukelashviliSMS. MamukelashviliBLK DR FT FT0 0 3 3116 DEN Q3 08:38 9s 14:04KCK. Caldwell-PopeNJN. JokićFL X2.RM.020 7117 SAS Q3 08:29 6s 13:32VWV. WembanyamaMBM. BranhamJCJ. ChampagnieBLK DR X3.LW.250 0 4118 DEN Q3 08:23 18s 14:22MPM. Porter Jr.KCK. Caldwell-PopeMPM. Porter Jr.MPM. Porter Jr.DR X3.LC.23 OR X20 15 17 17119 SAS Q3 08:05 10s 13:42+2TJT. JonesMBM. BranhamTJT. JonesTJT. JonesDR X3.RW.26 OR M2.RW.120 7 9 10120 DEN Q3 07:55 24s 14:46RJR. JacksonX3.LW.2722121 SAS Q3 07:31 5s 13:48+3MBM. BranhamMBM. BranhamVWV. WembanyamaDR AST M3.LW.250 5 5122 DEN Q3 07:26 16s 15:02DENDEN — teamNJN. JokićTM TO2 16123 SAS Q3 07:10 7s 13:54+2JCJ. ChampagnieTJT. JonesMBM. BranhamSTL AST M2.RC.080 7 7124 DEN Q3 07:03 21s 15:24+2CBC. BraunNJN. JokićAST M2.SO.0521 21125 SAS Q3 06:42 11s 14:06+3TJT. JonesVWV. WembanyamaSMS. MamukelashviliFL AST M3.SO.260 11 11126 DEN Q3 06:31 25s 15:48+2NJN. JokićM2.SO.0625127 SAS Q3 06:06 18s 14:24VWV. WembanyamaTO18128 DEN Q3 05:48 10s 15:58+3AGA. GordonCBC. BraunKCK. Caldwell-PopeSTL AST M3.RC.230 10 10129 SAS Q3 05:38 19s 14:42SASSAS — teamVWV. WembanyamaTM X2.LW.052 17130 DEN Q3 05:19 5s 16:04NJN. JokićKCK. Caldwell-PopeDR X3.LW.250 3131 SAS Q3 05:14 5s 14:48VWV. WembanyamaMBM. BranhamDR X2.RM.010 3132 DEN Q3 05:09 2s 16:06+3NJN. JokićDENDEN — teamJOJokicJHJ. HolidayBLK DR AST M3.LC.240 0 2 2133 SAS Q3 05:07 29s 15:16DGD. GrahamX3.SO.2528134 DEN Q3 04:38 8s 16:14+3CBC. BraunCBC. BraunAGA. GordonDR AST M3.LW.260 8 8135 SAS Q3 04:30 14s 15:30MBM. BranhamTO14136 DEN Q3 04:16 17s 16:30+2KCK. Caldwell-PopeJOJokicAGA. GordonSTL AST M2.RM.010 17 17137 SAS Q3 03:59 17s 15:48SASSAS — teamBWB. WesleyTM OF0 17138 DEN Q3 03:42 21s 16:52JHJ. HolidayCBC. BraunVIOL X3.LC.230 18139 SAS Q3 03:21 23s 16:10JCJ. ChampagnieZCZ. CollinsDR X3.RW.250 19140 DEN Q3 02:58 17s 17:08+2JHJ. HolidayNJN. JokićDR M2.LW.050 17141 SAS Q3 02:41 16s 16:26JCJ. ChampagnieX2.RM.0315142 DEN Q3 02:25 7s 17:16NJN. JokićCBC. BraunDENDEN — teamCBC. BraunNJN. JokićDR X2.RM.00 OR JUMP OF0 5 5 5 7143 SAS Q3 02:18 18s 16:44+2ZCZ. CollinsZCZ. CollinsBLK M2.RM.030 18144 DEN Q3 02:00 9s 17:24+3KCK. Caldwell-PopeNJN. JokićAST M2.RM.039 9145 SAS Q3 01:51 10s 16:54+2ZCZ. CollinsJCJ. ChampagnieZCZ. CollinsFL AST M2.RM.010 10 10146 DEN Q3 01:41 16s 17:40NJN. JokićX2.LW.1315147 SAS Q3 01:25 10s 17:04+2SCS. CissokoBWB. WesleyDR M2.RM.040 10148 DEN Q3 01:15 10s 17:50+2NJN. JokićNJN. JokićFT FT10 10149 SAS Q3 01:05 17s 17:21+2BWB. WesleyDGD. GrahamFL M2.SO.110 17150 DEN Q3 00:48 7s 17:57+1KCK. Caldwell-PopeKCK. Caldwell-PopeFT X15 5151 SAS Q3 00:41 10s 17:31+3DGD. GrahamZCZ. CollinsBWB. WesleyJCJ. ChampagnieFL DR AST M3.RW.250 1 11 11152 DEN Q3 00:31 27s 18:24NJN. JokićX3.SO.2624153 SAS Q3 00:04 5s 17:36ZCZ. CollinsDGD. GrahamSASSAS — teamDR X3.LW.27 OR1 5 5Q4154 DEN Q4 12:00 18s 18:42JHJ. HolidayJHJ. HolidayRJR. JacksonX2.RM.02 OR TO14 16 18155 SAS Q4 11:42 24s 18:00VWV. WembanyamaDGD. GrahamDGD. GrahamBLK STL X3.SO.260 0 21156 DEN Q4 11:18 13s 18:55MPM. Porter Jr.MPM. Porter Jr.DR X3.SO.260 11157 SAS Q4 11:05 10s 18:10SCS. CissokoVWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaFL DR X3.SO.270 0 7158 DEN Q4 10:55 14s 19:09+3AGA. GordonRJR. JacksonAGA. GordonDR AST M2.RM.020 14 14159 SAS Q4 10:41 24s 18:34VWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaFL X2.LC.060 23160 DEN Q4 10:17 6s 19:15+2MPM. Porter Jr.PWP. WatsonJHJ. HolidayDR AST M2.RW.140 6 6161 SAS Q4 10:11 27s 19:01BWB. WesleyX3.RC.2423162 DEN Q4 09:44 9s 19:24+3PWP. WatsonAGA. GordonPWP. WatsonDR AST M3.RW.260 9 9163 SAS Q4 09:35 16s 19:17+2BWB. WesleyZCZ. CollinsAST M2.RM.0116 16164 DEN Q4 09:19 20s 19:44+3MPM. Porter Jr.RJR. JacksonAST M3.LC.2420 20165 SAS Q4 08:59 26s 19:43+1VWV. WembanyamaSASSAS — teamVWV. WembanyamaX1 OR FT26 26 26166 DEN Q4 08:33 15s 19:59+2RJR. JacksonPWP. WatsonPWP. WatsonRJR. JacksonFL FL AST M2.RW.070 0 15 15167 SAS Q4 08:18 27s 20:10VWV. WembanyamaX3.LW.2626168 DEN Q4 07:51 13s 20:12PWP. WatsonDENDEN — teamAGA. GordonFL DR X3.SO.250 0 10169 SAS Q4 07:38 8s 20:18+2TJT. JonesTJT. JonesMBM. BranhamDR AST M2.RM.010 8 8170 DEN Q4 07:30 18s 20:30RJR. JacksonX2.SO.0717171 SAS Q4 07:12 4s 20:22+2VWV. WembanyamaTJT. JonesZCZ. CollinsDR AST M2.RM.010 4 4172 DEN Q4 07:08 22s 20:52MPM. Porter Jr.PWP. WatsonPWP. WatsonFL OR X2.SO.110 2 20173 SAS Q4 06:46 9s 20:31ZCZ. CollinsZCZ. CollinsDR X2.RM.000 9174 DEN Q4 06:37 21s 21:13NJN. JokićDENDEN — teamDENDEN — team---JHJ. HolidayBLK DR TM IR X3.SO.260 0 0 0 17175 SAS Q4 06:16 11s 20:42ZCZ. CollinsSMS. MamukelashviliDR TO0 11176 DEN Q4 06:05 18s 21:31JHJ. Holiday---NJN. JokićSTL IR X3.SO.250 0 15177 SAS Q4 05:47 11s 20:53ZCZ. CollinsTJT. JonesMBM. BranhamFL DR X3.SO.260 0 7178 DEN Q4 05:36 0s 21:31JHJ. HolidayPWP. WatsonPWP. WatsonBLK DR TO0 0 0179 SAS Q4 05:36 18s 21:11+3TJT. JonesSMS. MamukelashviliSMS. MamukelashviliTJT. JonesX2.RC.09 OR AST M3.RC.2414 16 18 18180 DEN Q4 05:18 23s 21:54PWP. WatsonX3.RC.2422181 SAS Q4 04:55 20s 21:31+3ZCZ. CollinsMBM. BranhamSASSAS — teamVWV. WembanyamaSMS. MamukelashviliDR X2.LC.11 OR AST M3.LW.250 8 9 20 20182 DEN Q4 04:35 26s 22:20PWP. WatsonMPM. Porter Jr.BLK X3.LC.230 22183 SAS Q4 04:09 3s 21:34+2TJT. JonesTJT. JonesSMS. MamukelashviliDR AST M2.RM.010 3 3184 DEN Q4 04:06 17s 22:37+2CBC. BraunNJN. JokićNJN. JokićX2.RM.01 OR M215 16 17185 SAS Q4 03:49 24s 21:58+1TJT. JonesVWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaBLK FT X10 22 22186 DEN Q4 03:25 13s 22:50AGA. GordonMPM. Porter Jr.NJN. JokićFL DR TO0 0 13187 SAS Q4 03:12 11s 22:09TJT. JonesTJT. JonesSMS. MamukelashviliSMS. MamukelashviliSMS. MamukelashviliSMS. MamukelashviliTJT. JonesMBM. BranhamSTL X2.RM.01 OR X2.RM.01 OR X2 OR X3.SO.250 3 5 5 6 6 7 9188 DEN Q4 03:01 11s 23:01+2MPM. Porter Jr.AGA. GordonNJN. JokićDR AST M2.RW.050 11 11189 SAS Q4 02:50 21s 22:30+2SASSAS — teamTJT. JonesSASSAS — teamTJT. JonesMBM. BranhamTM X2.RC.05 OR AST M2.LC.120 16 16 21 21190 DEN Q4 02:29 19s 23:20KCK. Caldwell-PopeNJN. JokićBLK X2.RM.020 18191 SAS Q4 02:10 8s 22:38VWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaTJT. JonesVWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaBLK DR X3.RC.23 OR X20 0 2 4 4192 DEN Q4 02:02 15s 23:35DENDEN — teamRJR. JacksonDR X2.RW.080 12193 SAS Q4 01:47 11s 22:49VWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaDR X3.SO.280 7194 DEN Q4 01:36 15s 23:50+2NJN. JokićNJN. JokićDR M2.SO.060 15195 SAS Q4 01:21 19s 23:08+2VWV. WembanyamaM2.RM.0319196 DEN Q4 01:02 15s 24:05RJR. JacksonX2.RM.0414197 SAS Q4 00:46 13s 23:21VWV. WembanyamaJCJ. ChampagnieVWV. WembanyamaBLK DR X2.LW.140 1 11198 DEN Q4 00:33 6s 24:11+3NJN. JokićCBC. BraunMPM. Porter Jr.DR AST M3.RW.251 7 7199 SAS Q4 00:27 8s 23:29SASSAS — teamVWV. WembanyamaTM X3.LW.272 7200 DEN Q4 00:19 11s 24:22+2AGA. GordonNJN. JokićNJN. JokićDR FT FT1 12 12201 SAS Q4 00:08 8s 23:38MBM. BranhamVWV. WembanyamaTJT. JonesVWV. WembanyamaVWV. WembanyamaSASSAS — teamFL FL X3.SO.27 OR X2 OR0 0 4 8 8 8
Nikola Jokic scores 42 and outduels Victor Wembanyama in Nuggets' 110-105 win over Spurs
DENVER -- — Chalk this one up to Nikola Jokic after Victor Wembanyama came up just short of outdueling the player who is hoping to soon pick up his third MVP award.
Jokic scored 42 points and outdueled the Rookie of the Year favorite in Denver's 110-105 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night to retake sole possession of first place in the West.
Jokic also grabbed 16 rebounds and had six assists. Wembanyama had 23 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists and nine blocks. Three of Jokic's baskets came on rare dunks, something he said he had to do facing the sensational rookie.
“He had like 600 blocks tonight, but we got the win,” Jokic said after Denver leap-frogged Oklahoma City atop the Western Conference playoff race.
The Nuggets (53-23) took a half-game lead over Oklahoma City, which lost 109-105 at Philadelphia earlier Tuesday night. The Minnesota Timberwolves (52-23) kept pace with Oklahoma City when they beat Houston 113-106.
Jokic's hook shot broke a 103-103 tie but Wembanyama's layup at the other end knotted it up again with a minute remaining.
Michael Porter Jr ., who had 15 points and a career-best 16 rebounds, made a 3 with 28 seconds left to put Denver up 108-105 and Wembanyama missed a 3-pointer with 18 seconds left but the Spurs burned 10 seconds before Wembanyama fouled Jokic, who sank both free throws with 8 seconds remaining.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he couldn’t be happier with how Wembanyama led his team to a near upset of the defending NBA champions despite missing several injured starters.
“That’s one of the most competitive games I have been part of for many years,” Popovich said. “For 48 minutes, under difficult circumstances, these guys just played ... the effort for 48 was really impressive, the best I’ve seen all year. And like I said (for) several years, losing sucks, but to see how far they have come this season is really a joy.”
Wembanyama was exhausted after trying to keep up with Jokic and logging 34 tough minutes in Denver's thin air.
“It’s very demanding” going up against Jokic, Wembanyama said, adding that the altitude was "just one difficulty among others. We have to adapt to this just like we have to adapt to plenty of other factors.”
Such as Jokic making 18 shots, twice as many as Wembanyama did.
Even with the Spurs missing Devin Vassell , Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson , all suffering from foot injuries, San Antonio was no pushover for the Nuggets, who were without point guard Jamal Murray (knee) for a sixth straight game.
The Spurs got double-digit scoring from seven players, including Malaki Branham , who scored 24, and Tre Jones had his third career triple-double (10 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists).
Hounded by Aaron Gordon , Denver's best defender, Wembanyama missed 20 shots, but more than made up for it with all his passing and his defense.
Wembanyama is making leaps in so many areas as he approaches his first lap around the NBA, and the Nuggets say it's scary to think how good he'll be one day.
“He's going to be really, really, really, really, really, really good,” Gordon said.
Jokic said Wembanyama has a good mix of humility, work ethic and hunger “and that's a really good combination.”
Jokic said he had to adjust his game against Wembanyama, altering the arc of his shots and getting extra space in the post against the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama, who is tied with Boban Marjanović as the tallest active NBA player.
“Of course I didn't do a good job today. He blocked six, seven shots,” Jokic said. “But he's a special player and you always have to do special acts to score against those guys. But I think when he learns and he figures it out, he's going to be an even bigger problem.”
Popovich, for one, is looking forward to more Wemby vs. Joker matchups to come, beginning with a rematch in San Antonio on April 12.
“Well, sure. Victor gained a lot of respect tonight becaus e Nikola is the best,” Popovich said. “For Victor to want to guard him and to learn, it was a real testament to how good he wants to be. To go up against Nikola, like I said, shows a lot. And he is learning by the minute.”
UP NEXT
Spurs: At New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
Nuggets: At Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.