Nikola Jokic makes bold Victor Wembanyama claim after Nuggets-Spurs thriller
· Yahoo Sports
The San Antonio Spurs entered Saturday riding an 11-game winning streak, but Nikola Jokic put an end to that in dramatic fashion. The Denver Nuggets survived a thriller in overtime, beating the Spurs 136-134 behind a vintage performance from their three-time NBA MVP.
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Jokic dropped 40 points to go with eight rebounds, 13 assists, and three blocks. Denver pushed its own winning streak to eight games and moved closer to the Los Angeles Lakers for third place in the Western Conference.
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Victor Wembanyama came back from an ankle injury and matched Jokic’s intensity with 34 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists, and five blocks.
Wembanyama earns massive respect from Nikola Jokic
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama blocks the shot of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesSan Antonio controlled most of the contest, but Denver clawed back late to force the extra period. Wembanyama logged 40 minutes and left a clear mark on Jokic, who spoke freely when asked about the young center after the final buzzer.
“I think the first time I played against him, I told you guys he’s going to change the league. He’s going to change basketball,” Jokic said, per The Athletic’s Jared Weiss. “I still think that. And I think he has an opportunity, a chance to be the most unique basketball player to ever play the game.”
Jokic already mentioned similar thoughts the first time he faced Wembanyama. He pointed to the bigger picture back then, believing the Spurs star would eventually reshape how the game gets played. That belief only grew stronger Saturday.
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Wembanyama continues proving the early hype was warranted. His defense against Jonas Valančiūnas stood out, with several possessions where he met shots at release and stripped the ball cleanly.
Those weren’t standard contests. They changed momentum. On offense, his versatility showed up again as he adjusted midair to create sharp passes and finished lobs with soft touch on other possessions.
It’s more than production at this point. The impact surely feels different. And if things hold, a second-round playoff matchup between the Spurs and Nuggets is starting to look real.