On January 5th, Beijing time, the Denver Nuggets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 122-111 to avoid being double-killed. In this game, Nikola Jokic continued his MVP-level performance. Although Jokic missed a buzzer-beater at the end of regulation, he dominated both ends of the court in overtime, making the alien-like Victor Wembanyama taste defeat at home and showing his prowess as an away game silencer.
The matchup between Wembanyama and Jokic last night sparked heated discussions across the United States. Wembanyama scored 35 points with 18 rebounds and 2 blocks, while Jokic had 41 points, 18 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals. However, it was Wembanyama's Spurs that ultimately won the game. Jokic certainly did not want to be defeated by the Spurs consecutively. In the first quarter, Jokic aggressively took 13 shots to score 14 points and 3 assists, helping the Nuggets lead by 3 points.
During the second quarter when Jokic rested, the Nuggets were overtaken by the Spurs. The Nuggets' problem was defense; they allowed the Spurs' penetration too easily. Jokic was conserving energy during this period, scoring 4 points with 3 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal, and 1 block. At halftime, Jokic had 18 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks.
In the third quarter, Barnes' 13 points helped the Spurs extend their lead to over 10 points. Jokic had already given his all in this quarter, shooting 5 for 10 plus 2 for 3 from three-point range to score 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. After three quarters, Jokic had accumulated 31 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds, and he also caused Wembanyama's third foul.
In the final quarter, after Jokic entered the game, the Nuggets were still trailing by 3 points. Jokic passed to Westbrook for an open layup, but Murray's turnover and airball were disappointing. Jokic hit a crucial three-pointer, followed by a key hook shot and then drew a foul on Wembanyama. Jokic made one of two free throws, and Vassell tied the game. Jokic's mid-range shot to win the game missed, and upon replay, it was clear that Wembanyama had fouled, but the referees did not call it.
In overtime, Jokic started with a 2+1, and the Spurs successfully challenged. Jokic faced Wembanyama and hit a fadeaway jumper. Jokic added a putback to score 7 consecutive points, and with 1 minute and 13 seconds left, the Nuggets still led by 6 points. Jokic defended against Paul, and he continued to dominate Wembanyama, extending the lead to 8 points, effectively ending the suspense of the game. In overtime, Jokic scored 9 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and had 1 steal.
In the entire game, Jokic played 44 minutes, shooting 19 for 35, including 3 for 8 from three-point range and 5 for 6 from the free-throw line, accumulating 46 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. In the previous game, he had 41 points, 18 rebounds, and 9 assists, totaling 87 points, 27 rebounds, and 19 assists in the two games combined.
Written by Yan Xiaobai: Nuggets Watch