The Denver Nuggets changed up their starting lineup for the second half of their matchup against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night.
After giving Nikola Jokic the nod to play in the regular-season finale, the superstar center was on the bench for the start of the second half. It was an expected decision made by the head coach, David Adelman.
Starting in place of Jokic was the veteran big man, Jonas Valanciunas. The big man will get some extended minutes before the Nuggets reach their playoff run. Valanciunas will play a limited yet key role for the Nuggets in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 125-123. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Nikola Jokic Finishes His 2025-2026 NBA Regular Season
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball under pressure from Royce O’Neale #00 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Due to an early-season knee injury, Jokic spent a large chunk of the 2025-2026 NBA season in danger of coming up short of the 65-game minimum for awards.
With 64 games played before the Sunday night action, Jokic needed over 15 more minutes played in order to qualify. The Nuggets rolled him out for 18 minutes.
During that stretch, Jokic shot 7-12 from the field and went 8-8 from the free-throw line. He scored 23 points while coming down with eight rebounds. Jokic also produced two assists and blocked one shot on the defensive end.
The Nuggets came up with a commanding lead as they searched for their 54th win of the season over the Spurs. Denver is looking to enter the Western Conference Playoffs as the No. 3 seed.
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center on December 29, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Leading up to Sunday’s action, Jokic was posting averages of 27.8 points per game, while shooting 56.9% from the field and 37.9% from three.
The three-time MVP winner will finish the season averaging a triple-double for the second year in a row with 12.9 rebounds per game and 10.9 assists per game.
Jokic will be in the running for the NBA MVP award, along with All-NBA.