In a stellar performance on Sunday night, Nikola Jokic showcased his basketball prowess with a season-high 39 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, leading the Denver Nuggets to a commanding 132-120 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at their home court.
Jokic’s exceptional performance was complemented by Michael Porter Jr., who contributed 25 points to the Nuggets’ winning cause. Reggie Jackson added 20 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 16 points, and Julian Strawther chipped in with 10 points for Denver. Despite missing starters Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets displayed resilience and depth to secure the win.
On the Spurs’ side, Victor Wembanyama led the charge with an impressive stat line of 22 points, 11 rebounds, six steals, and four blocks. Devin Vassell scored 19 points, Malaki Branham added 15 points, Julian Champagnie finished with 13 points, and Keldon Johnson and Tre Jones each contributed 10 points. However, the Spurs’ efforts were not enough as they suffered their 12th consecutive loss, marking the third-longest losing streak in franchise history.
The Nuggets established control early, taking a 39-35 lead after a high-scoring first quarter. They continued to build on their advantage in the second quarter, with Jokic’s floating bank shot extending the lead to 68-48 with 3:07 left in the period. Despite the Spurs closing the gap to 72-60 by halftime, Denver responded with authority in the third quarter.
San Antonio made a brief surge, narrowing the deficit to 74-67 early in the third quarter. However, the Nuggets, fueled by Jokic’s playmaking and scoring, embarked on a 16-4 run to widen the gap. Jokic scored six consecutive points late in the third quarter, propelling the Nuggets to a comfortable 107-84 lead heading into the final period.
Denver’s lead swelled to as much as 28 points in the fourth quarter, securing a convincing victory. The Spurs, grappling with injuries and a challenging season, will seek to regroup and break their losing streak in the upcoming games.
Jokic’s near-triple-double and the collective effort from the Nuggets showcased their resilience and ability to overcome the absence of key players. As the NBA season progresses, Denver aims to build on this victory and continue their ascent in the standings.
