SAN ANTONIO – In a compelling matchup on Sunday night, the Denver Nuggets secured a significant victory against the San Antonio Spurs, winning 128-118. This game marked Nikola Jokic’s 65th game of the season, making him eligible for prestigious NBA awards such as MVP and All-NBA honors.
Jokic showcased his skills early on, scoring 23 points in the first half. Despite a wrist injury that had him listed as questionable, he delivered an impressive performance, going 7 for 12 from the field. In addition to his points, Jokic contributed eight rebounds, two assists, and a blocked shot before sitting out the second half of the game.
The Nuggets demonstrated their depth, with seven players scoring in double figures. Julian Strawther led the team with 25 points, while Jonas Valanciunas added a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. This collective effort helped Denver clinch the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 54-28.
On the other side, the Spurs, led by De’Aaron Fox’s 24 points, had their three-game winning streak snapped. Stephon Castle made a notable return from injury, finishing with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. The team was missing their rising star, Victor Wembanyama, who sat out due to a left rib contusion.
A pivotal moment in the game came when Denver went on a 22-0 run in the second quarter, holding San Antonio scoreless for 8:45 and building a significant 63-40 lead. Curtis Jones also contributed with 13 points, helping to maintain the momentum for the Nuggets.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets are set to host the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs, while the Spurs will await their opponent for the seventh seed, determined by the outcome of the upcoming play-in games. Both teams are gearing up for an exciting postseason as they aim for success on the playoff stage.
Up next
Nuggets: Host opener of first-round playoff series April 18 or April 19.
Spurs: Host opener of first-round playoff series against the No. 7 seed April 18 or April 19.
