The Joker and the Future Battle in Denver
A big-man battle took place in the mile-high city. Second-year superstar Victor Wembanyama against the three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is a must-see basketball despite recent ratings. This is the fourth meeting of the two, the very first this season. Wembanyama averages 24 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks in four career games against the former MVP, having a 1-3 record. For Jokic, his scoring averages go higher against the Frenchman, averaging 33.5 points while having 10.3 rebounds and eight assists.
The game started a bit inefficiently for the Serbian international, picking up two quick fouls with only 11 points and one rebound in the first quarter, shooting one for from three. Wembanyama, on the other hand, started hot. He grabbed six early boards to go along with nine points. At halftime, both big men recorded a double-double. Wembanyama, who broke his record of nine defensive rebounds in a half, had 22 points and 13 boards on 75% shooting. Jokic countered with 19 points and 10 rebounds as the Spurs would lead the Nuggets 60-52.
The third quarter involved great shooting efforts from both teams as they would trade blows from behind the arc. Jokic would only add three rebounds to his 10 from the half in this quarter but would tally on 18 more points as the Nuggets would have a 38-point third quarter. Wembanyama's 3rd quarter was slower than the previous two, only scoring five points and recording three more rebounds. The fourth quarter, however, would be the quarter where the Future would shine above the Joker.
The fourth quarter would start with Wembanyama going on a 10-2 run against the home team Nuggets. The Nuggets would respond with a 16-6 run of their own, with Michael Porter leading the run with five points. The score would be 108-103 with a little over two minutes before the Spurs would spark a 10-2 comeback to win the game. Jokic would have a chance at a game-winner with the Nuggets’ last possession of the game but would turn the ball over with a Devin Vassell steal in the passing lanes. Jokic overall would struggle in the fourth, only scoring four points but adding to his rebounds and assists, ending the night with 41 points, 18 rebounds, and 9 assists. Wembanyama would steal the spotlight from Jokic, ending the night with 35 points, 18 rebounds, and four assists. This would be his second-ever win in this superstar matchup against the three-time MVP.
