Nuggets Outlast Spurs In OT As Jokic Outduels Wembanyama

The Nuggets and Spurs have played three times this season, and all three games have been cinematic. San Antonio won the first game 139-136 in Ball Arena. Denver then pulled off a comeback on the road to win 136-131.

Following those classics came game three of this four-part series. The Nuggets outperformed the young Spurs in the clutch to win the game 136-134. Each team has scored 130+ in each game.

Despite the extremely high scoring, there is no lack of intensity. It has more of a good offense feel rather than both teams exhibiting bad defense. Both teams are in the top five in offensive rating, so it’s no surprise that the games are that high scoring.

Now, let’s get to the two superstars. Wemby came out and continued to make his push to win the MVP. He had 34 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists, and five blocks.

The Alien was once again a force on both sides of the ball. Jokic, though, reminded the world that there are levels to this. The Joker finished the game with 40 points, eight rebounds, and 13 assists with no turnovers. He also played one of his finer defensive games, logging three blocks.

It was the type of game that told the media to pump the brakes on crowning Wembanyama a little too early. An example is First Things First co-host and former New York Times NBA journalist Chris Broussard, who stated that Wemby was the best player in the world in his eyes. Jokic, with this perfromance, said not so fast.

It would feel like a robbery if we don’t get a seven-game series between these two teams this year.

There Are Levels To Winning

This game on Saturday afternoon was a perfect example of how much experience matters. San Antonio’s youth and speed kept them ahead for most of the game, and they seemed a step faster for most of the game. Denver’s experience and ability to not panic kept them within arm’s reach all game long.

When the game then went down to the wire, the Nuggets were nearly flawless on offense while the Spurs were a little sputtery. The first example was when Wemby and company were up 124-122 with around 30 seconds left.

San Antonio had a chance to slam the door shut, but instead, their attempt to win it was a De’Aaron Fox airball three that was contested. Denver then got the ball with 8.1 seconds. Jokic then found Gordon while double-teamed for a wide-open dunk with 6.5 seconds remaining.

The game was tied 124-124, and the Spurs had a chance to hit a game-winner. Wembanyama took a tough fadeaway shot over Gordon that missed. It was a decent shot that he could make, but not the best look.

In overtime, Denver went to their MVP, and he slammed the door shut with two huge shots to end the game. The young Spurs looked shaky in the clutch, as evidenced by Devin Vassell missing a dunk down 133-131 with 30 seconds left in OT. That shot then rebounded to Fox, and he missed an open jumper.

San Antonio may be the better team top to bottom, but winning is a skill. Taking games like this down the stretch can only come with experience, but some heartbreak must come first.

End Of Denver Nuggets And San Antonio Spurs Rant

The result of this game has huge implications for both teams. The Spurs now are essentially stuck in the second seed, barring a collapse from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Nuggets have a real shot at getting that three seed as they are just 0.5 games back. With the Los Angeles Lakers having unfortunate injuries in the last couple of days, they could fall apart in this final stretch.

How will it play out for both teams?