Nuggets, Jokic Pull Away For Win vs. Spurs in Austin

Originally posted on San Antonio Spurs on SI
By Zach Dimmitt | Last updated Mar 15, 2024 10:53 PM ET

AUSTIN -- The San Antonio Spurs welcomed the defending champion and conference-leading Denver Nuggets to their home away from home in Austin on Friday night, but the Moody Center didn't provide the same spark the Frost Bank Center has during upset wins earlier this season.

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic scored a game-high 31 points and Denver (47-20) used a strong fourth quarter to pull away from the Spurs in a 117-106 win.

Spurs rookie star Victor Wembanyama was hounded by the Denver defense throughout the night and struggled with his shot before finishing with 17 points on 4 of 12 shooting to go along with nine rebounds and three blocks.

San Antonio (14-53) trailed by as many as 21 in the first half, but rallied headed into halftime and cut the deficit to as little as six to begin the third quarter. Both teams went punch-for-punch in the third, but the Spurs were unable to retake the lead after pulling within four.

With sights set on an upset win, the Spurs instead fell victim to a steady dose of Murray and Christian Braun to begin the fourth quarter, as the Nuggets eased past San Antonio for what quickly became a convincing win.

The Spurs will stay in Austin before taking on the Brooklyn Nets at the Moody Center on Sunday.

This article first appeared on San Antonio Spurs on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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