Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama each put on a show in their matchup on Tuesday.
Wembanyama had the new normal for him, coming one step away from recording a quadruple double with 23 points, 15 rebounds, nine blocks and eight assists. It was one of many Wemby stat lines that have It had never been achieved before in the history of the NBA..
As for Jokic, he had 42 points, 16 rebounds, six assists and two blocks.
Wembanyama was guarded by Aaron Gordon for much of the second half. But when the Spurs rookie went one-on-one with Jokic, he was absolutely electrifying.
Do yourself a favor and watch this entire sequence if you haven’t seen it yet:
The NBA should be elated at how well these two have played against each other. Jokic is the best player in the league and will likely win his third MVP award. Wembanyama is already a top 15 player and has the potential to surpass him one day.
At 29 years old, Jokic still has plenty of time left as the league leader. Wemby comes right behind him. Here’s why this is shaping up to be a legendary rivalry.
Victor Wembanyama is the closest thing there is to a future Jokic stopper
Let’s make this clear: no one is stopping Jokic. He has averaged 37.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists on 60.0 percent shooting against the Spurs this season. by Stathead.
However, Wembanyama has had some flashes of success protecting him. Nobody has blocked Jokic more than The six Wemby rejections this season. That 8-foot wingspan has given Jokic problems in all of his matchups.
“Just wait until Wemby has to defend Jokic.” pic.twitter.com/izvvTW665w
– Spurs Culture (@SpursCulture) November 27, 2023
Jokic even admitted as much on Tuesday, revealing what he said to Wembanyama during the match.
“If you block one more shot, I’m going to… something.” Jokic told reporters after the game. “But after that she blocked like four, so I didn’t do anything about it.”
Mixed in with those blocks were moments when Jokic dominated Wembanyama: Joker is still shooting 56.3 percent against Wemby – but Wembanyama is far from a finished product. As the rookie gains strength, that matchup will become much more difficult.
Victor Wembanyama-Nikola Jokic highlight package is incredible
Any time you have the best passer in the game and the guy who is breaking the game on the same court, you’re going to see incredible things.
There was a lot to do in Tuesday’s game, but Jokic’s best play came with his 94-foot bomb on a throw-in.
JOKIC’S FULL-COURT FOOTBALL PASS IN A DIME ?
Spurs-Nuggets | Live on the NBA app
? https://t.co/Njf3dISUNy pic.twitter.com/9XXL9T52G1—NBA (@NBA) April 3, 2024
The late goal and Wembanyama’s rejection had the Internet buzzing.
WEMBY TIES THE GAME AND THEN DENIES THE SHOT AT THE OTHER END.
Spurs-Nuggets | Live on the NBA app
? https://t.co/Njf3dISUNy pic.twitter.com/KBtymhq6gQ—NBA (@NBA) April 3, 2024
These two produce the most aesthetically pleasing form of basketball. It is the game that is played at the highest level. It will be a must see every time they face each other.
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are coming
The fact that Tuesday’s game between the Nuggets and Spurs was close should be considered a minor miracle. Wemby tied the game with a minute left before the Nuggets pulled away.
The Nuggets were missing Jamal Murray, but they still had plenty of talent in their starting lineup. Meanwhile, Wembanyama was playing alongside Zach Collins, Malaki Branham, Devonte’ Graham and Tre Jones in the fourth quarter.
Wembanyama’s team stinks right now, but they have plenty of cap space and draft picks to turn ship quickly. And Jokic’s Nuggets should stick around for a while. All of their key players outside of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are locked up for multiple years.
If both teams stay on their current path, they could be fighting at the top of the Western Conference in a few seasons.
Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama respect each other
Jokic has been effusive with his praise for Wembanyama all year.
After the first confrontation between the two, Jokic pronounced that Wembanyama “was going to change the game 100 percent.”
That mutual admiration also manifests itself on the court, where the two clearly enjoy competing against each other.
just guys being guys ?#For life | @Spurs | @BallySports ? pic.twitter.com/mZ20BQUqvr
— Bally Deportes San Antonio (@BallySportsSA) April 3, 2024
Jokic is one of the biggest Wemby fans out there. He sees that the future is bright, because he told reporters Tuesday
“I think he’s humble, he’s working hard and he’s still hungry. That’s a really good combination.”
