Denver Nuggets overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat San Antonio Spurs 136-131 at Frost Bank Center Thursday. Jamal Murray scored 39 points while Nikola Jokic posted a triple-double with 31 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists.
The Nuggets trailed 99-79 early in the third quarter before Murray’s 3-pointer sparked an 11-0 run, giving Denver a 121-119 lead with 4:38 remaining. The rally included key contributions from Spencer Jones, Cameron Johnson, and Christian Braun, who combined for 45 points.
San Antonio guard Stephon Castle recorded his third career triple-double with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, keeping the Spurs within striking distance. With 20 seconds left and the team trailing 132-129, Castle’s 3-pointer rimmed out, allowing Murray to seal the win with four free throws.
Victor Wembanyama was ruled out due to right ankle soreness, leaving the Spurs without their centerpiece. San Antonio’s bench struggled to compensate, though De’Aaron Fox added 27 points and Devin Vassell contributed 18. The Spurs lost for the first time in 22 games when holding a 20-point lead.
Denver dominated the fourth quarter 42-25, controlling both the boards and the paint. Jokic’s inside presence and Murray’s perimeter shooting fueled the comeback, while Jones added 19 points, Johnson 15, and Braun 11. The Nuggets shot 50 percent overall and made 36 of 38 free throws.
The win improved Denver’s record to 41-26, maintaining their position in the Western Conference playoff race. San Antonio falls to 48-18, snapping a five-game winning streak despite their strong season and deep rotation.
The Nuggets will visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, while the Spurs travel to Milwaukee on Tuesday.
