Nikola Jokic helped set the tone early as the Denver Nuggets secured the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a 128-118 road win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night at Frost Bank Center.
The three-time MVP finished with 23 points in the first half and played 18 minutes, 15 seconds before sitting out the remainder of the game. He went 7-for-12 from the field and added eight rebounds, two assists, and a blocked shot.
Denver’s push to separation came in the second quarter, when a 22-0 run turned the game decisively. The Spurs were held scoreless for 8:45 during that stretch.
Julian Strawther led the Nuggets in scoring with 25 points, while Jonas Valančiūnas posted 16 points and 11 rebounds. Denver had seven players finish in double figures, reflecting balanced scoring across the rotation.
Curtis Jones added 13 points, contributing to a bench unit that maintained the lead after the second-quarter surge. The Nuggets shot 50 percent from the field and controlled interior possessions with 58 total rebounds.
San Antonio’s De’Aaron Fox led the team with 24 points on efficient shooting, helping stabilize the offense during Denver’s extended run. The Spurs also received 19 points from Devin Vassell and 18 points from Keldon Johnson.
Rookie Carter Bryant added 13 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, including a dunk over Jokic in a notable highlight sequence.
Stephon Castle nearly recorded a triple-double in his return from injury, finishing with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. San Antonio played without Victor Wembanyama, who remained sidelined with a rib contusion.
Jokic entered the game having appeared in 64 games and played limited minutes in the finale amid eligibility considerations for end-of-season awards. Denver’s win finalized its 54-28 record and locked in a first-round matchup with Minnesota.
San Antonio finished the regular season at 62-20 and will host its first-round playoff opener against the seventh seed once the play-in round concludes.
The Nuggets now turn their attention to a first-round series starting Saturday at home, with form and depth carrying momentum into the postseason.
