Jokic edges Wembanyama in thrilling overtime contest
DENVER — As the clock approached the final minute of overtime with Denver ahead of San Antonio by two points, three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic maneuvered into the paint while Victor Wembanyama assumed a defensive position.
Jokic backed down Wembanyama, then faked a pass to Christian Braun, before swiftly executing his signature “Sombor Shuffle” for an 11-foot stepback jumper over the outstretched arm of the 7-foot-5 French player.
Wembanyama looked away in disbelief as the thrilling Saturday afternoon unfolded with a series of impressive plays from two of the leading contenders for this season’s NBA MVP award. Fueled by Jokic’s game-high 40 points, 13 assists, 8 rebounds, and three blocks without any turnovers, the Denver Nuggets ended San Antonio’s 11-game winning streak while extending their own to eight with a 136-134 victory in overtime.
“I would pay to watch these two teams play,” Nuggets coach David Adelman remarked.
Clearly, many shared this sentiment, as evidenced by the sellout crowd of 20,039 at Ball Arena, who witnessed Jokic achieve his third career game with at least 40 points, 10 assists, and 3 blocks. Only Dwyane Wade has more such games (5) since blocks began being recorded (1973-74), according to ESPN Research. This also marked Jokic’s seventh career game with a minimum of 30 points and 10 assists without any turnovers.
Including the one-legged “Sombor Shuffle” shot, Jokic made two crucial baskets over Wembanyama in the final minute of overtime. The second was a floater with 9.8 seconds left, over Wembanyama, who had rotated to Jokic just a moment too late.
“He’s clearly the catalyst who punishes any minor mistake or lapse,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson stated regarding Jokic. “He possesses all the tricks, counters, and skills to capitalize on you.”
In a narrow hallway behind double doors adjacent to the visiting locker room, Wembanyama sat down and leaned forward in a plastic chair to reflect on his seventh matchup against Jokic, who now holds a 5-2 record in their encounters. The 22-year-old led San Antonio with 34 points, 18 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 blocks, becoming the first Spur to achieve at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in three consecutive games, according to ESPN Research.
Wembanyama also stands as the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in his 1999-2000 MVP season to record three straight games with at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks (O’Neal accomplished this in four consecutive games) and the first since O’Neal in that MVP season to accumulate at least 100 points, 50 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 blocks over a three-game stretch.
“I think it was an incredible game,” Wembanyama commented. “Very enjoyable. One of the most enjoyable games. I wish we could have finished it. Everything that transpired tonight is beneficial for us. It was a genuine test against a team that is currently competing for something. It had a bit of playoff atmosphere. They have the best offensive player in the world. Therefore, when you enter these games, you must always focus on defense.”
The Spurs were ahead 107-96 with 9:08 remaining, but the Nuggets responded with a 17-8 run to narrow the gap to two points on a Jokic jumper with 4:12 left in regulation. San Antonio would reclaim a six-point lead after Wembanyama made two free throws with 1:39 remaining.
However, on Denver’s next possession, Cameron Johnson hit a 24-footer off an assist from Jokic and was fouled by De’Aaron Fox in the process. Johnson converted the subsequent free throw to complete the four-point play, bringing the Nuggets within two points with 1:24 left in regulation. Aaron Gordon tied the game at 124-all with 6.2 seconds remaining, sending the game into overtime.
During the extra period, Jokic scored 7 points on 3-of-4 shooting against the Spurs, while Wembanyama managed just two points during that time. Yet, in playing a season-high 40 minutes, Wembanyama left a significant impression on Jokic, who already held admiration for the French player.
“I think the first time I faced him, I told you guys he’s going to transform the league. He’s going to change basketball,” Jokic remarked. “I still believe that. And I think he has the potential to be the most unique basketball player to ever play the game.”
In their three regular-season meetings, both the Spurs and Nuggets have scored over 130 points, marking the first time two teams have each reached 130 points in three matchups within a season since 1983-84, according to ESPN Research.
Interestingly, San Antonio and Denver were the last teams to achieve this milestone.
So, prepare for the April 12 season finale between the teams in San Antonio.
“They’re likely the two most distinctive players in the last decade of basketball [with] their unique methods of accomplishing things,” Adelman noted about Jokic and Wembanyama. “Their skill sets are markedly different from other players in the league. Two remarkable players. This is a game worth buying a ticket to see.”
