Victor Wembanyama delivered a stellar performance, leading the San Antonio Spurs (18-16) to a thrilling 113-110 victory over the Denver Nuggets (19-14) on Friday night. The French center scored 35 points, grabbed 18 rebounds, and stole Nikola Jokic’s pass in the closing seconds to seal the game for San Antonio.
With four seconds remaining, Wembanyama intercepted Jokic’s pass, denying Denver a chance to retake the lead. He then fed Devin Vassell for a game-sealing dunk, ensuring the Spurs walked away victorious. Michael Porter Jr.’s 34-foot three-point attempt at the buzzer fell short, ending the Nuggets’ three-game winning streak.
Jokic nearly notched his 15th triple-double of the season, finishing with 41 points, 18 rebounds, and nine assists. However, his late turnover proved costly for Denver. Porter Jr. added 22 points for the Nuggets.
Wembanyama showcased his versatility by hitting two clutch three-pointers midway through the fourth quarter to give the Spurs a 97-92 lead. Despite picking up his fifth foul with over eight minutes left, the center maintained his dominance, making key plays on both ends of the court.
The Nuggets briefly rallied to take a five-point lead, but San Antonio responded with a 6-0 run, reclaiming the lead at 109-108. In the tense final moments, the Spurs’ defense held firm, forcing Denver into tough shots and capitalizing on crucial mistakes.
While Wembanyama was the focal point for San Antonio, Vassell contributed 18 points, and Keldon Johnson added 16 off the bench. Chris Paul facilitated the offense with 11 assists and eight rebounds. Despite committing eight turnovers, Wembanyama’s defensive presence altered Denver’s approach in the paint.
For Denver, Jokic’s dominance was supported by Porter’s efficient shooting and Jamal Murray’s 14 points and seven assists. However, the Nuggets struggled with consistency, shooting just 43.3% from the field and committing eight turnovers.
The Spurs outpaced Denver in rebounding, grabbing 56 boards compared to the Nuggets’ 46, while also limiting their own mistakes. San Antonio’s 13 turnovers marked a stark contrast to Denver’s inability to capitalize on key opportunities late in the game.
San Antonio, meanwhile, continues to show growth under Wembanyama’s leadership. The win improves their record to 18-16, positioning them as a rising threat in the Western Conference.