The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Denver Nuggets 113-110 on January 3, 2025, riding the impressive performances of Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell. Wembanyama led the Spurs with 35 points and 18 rebounds, showcasing his growing prowess on the court as he celebrated his 100th NBA game.
Wembanyama’s key moment came with just four seconds left when he intercepted Nikola Jokic’s pass intended for a teammate. He quickly fed Vassell for a game-sealing layup, solidifying the Spurs' triumph. “We knew the ball was going to go to Jokic, and we wanted to crowd him and get it out of his hands,” Vassell noted, highlighting their defensive strategy.
Jokic, who finished with 41 points, 18 rebounds, and nine assists, proved once again why he remains one of the league's preeminent talents, falling just short of his 15th triple-double. He and Michael Porter Jr., who added 22 points, were the standout performers for Denver. Despite the loss, Jokic's efforts have kept him firmly within the MVP conversation, continuing to average mind-boggling numbers this season.
The game had its tense moments, particularly in the closing stages. The Spurs had led by one point with 17 seconds on the clock when Denver attempted to rally. But the Spurs' defense held strong against the Nuggets' attempts to find the basket. Porter missed a long-range shot at the buzzer, sealing the game for the Spurs and ending Denver’s three-game winning streak.
Before the game, Denver coach Michael Malone reflected on Wembanyama’s remarkable performances. “What he's doing right now, I think he's coming off a month of December that's never been done before. It’s fun to watch a great player continue to get even bigger, which is scary at the same time,” Malone said.
With the emotional high of the victory fresh in their minds, both teams prepared for the second leg of their back-to-back faceoff on January 4 at the Frost Bank Center. The Spurs hoped to keep the momentum going, having won three of their past four games and standing two games above .500 for the third time this season.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets struggled with injuries yet again, continuing to be without forward Aaron Gordon, sidelined for six straight games due to a calf strain. “The reality is, you know, other guys have to step up,” Malone commented on his team's challenge amid injuries, emphasizing the need for resilience. Other players, including Spencer Jones and Vlatko Cancar had varying designations on the injury report, impacting the team’s rotations.
Spurs’ interim head coach Mitch Johnson was optimistic following the previous night’s victory, seeing it as a growth moment for the team. “This game should give us a reference point for future games,” he said, indicating the potential for future success following their tightly contested game.
Tonight’s rematch is lined up for 8:00 p.m. EST, with local fans eager to support the Spurs as they attempt to sweep the series against the Nuggets. The Spurs’ home performance has been stronger than their overall away game record, adding layers of pressure and excitement surrounding the fixture.
Fans eagerly anticipate the matchup, noting the potential for another thrilling showdown between two of the league's elite big men, Wembanyama and Jokic. Both players' performances will undoubtedly be under scrutiny, with Wembanyama attempting to maintain his impressive streak, having proven to be impactful on both ends of the court.
With matchup dynamics shifting, the Spurs and Nuggets will look to their respective benches to provide the necessary spark needed to secure victory. Spurs' fans are hoping to see Jeremy Sochan return, even if on limited minutes, as his presence could significantly impact the team’s depth and performance.
This highly anticipated tilt not only holds significance for standings but also promises the excitement of elite basketball with Wembanyama and Jokic, each striving to outshine the other on the court. The stakes are high, with every possession counting as both teams continue to battle it out as the NBA regular season marches on.