Nuggets’ Collapse
The Denver Nuggets, who led by as many as 23 points and held a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter, were stunned by a furious comeback from the San Antonio Spurs, losing 121-120 in a breathtaking turnaround at home.
Wembanyama’s Dominance
Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs’ charge with an outstanding performance, tallying 34 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks, overshadowing MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. Particularly impactful was Wembanyama’s explosive third quarter, where he single-handedly scored 17 points to keep the Spurs in contention after falling behind by over 20 points.
Nuggets’ Fourth Quarter Struggles
The Nuggets struggled in the fourth quarter, shooting just 40.9% from the field and converting only 1 of 5 three-point attempts, providing the Spurs with an opportunity to mount their comeback. In the final seconds, with the Spurs trailing by just one point, Jokic missed a jump shot, and Tre Jones grabbed the rebound, quickly passing to Devonte’ Graham in the frontcourt. Graham then made a clutch shot to seal the victory for the Spurs, leaving only 0.9 seconds on the clock.
Graham’s Heroics
Graham, the hero of the game-winning shot, contributed 11 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds off the bench, while Sandro Mamukelashvili added 21 points and 12 rebounds, and Jones chipped in with 14 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds.
Shakeup in the Western Conference
The unexpected loss for the Nuggets throws a wrench into the battle for the top seed in the Western Conference. With the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves both winning their respective games, all three teams now have identical records of 56 wins and 25 losses. The Thunder currently hold the tiebreaker based on head-to-head matchups, securing the top seed, while the Timberwolves, with a better divisional record, sit in second place. Consequently, the Nuggets find themselves in third place.
Coach Malone’s Reaction
Reflecting on the loss, Nuggets coach Mike Malone acknowledged the missed opportunity to secure the top seed but remained confident in his team’s abilities. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming game against the Memphis Grizzlies to end the regular season on a positive note and prepare for the playoffs.
Individual Performances
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 35 points, along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while Jokic contributed 22 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds, and Michael Porter Jr. added 14 points. Aaron Gordon scored 13 points for the Nuggets. (BK8F)
