Saturday’s NBA slate served fans a battle of dynamic bigs.
Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets took on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. As expected, the April 4 battle did not disappoint.
After the game, Denver center Nikola Jokic spoke about going against Wembanyama once again. To no surprise, the three-time MVP had nothing but praise for his fellow big man.
via Bennett Durando, Denver Post: Nikola Jokic on Wemby: “I think the first time I played against him, I told you guys that he’s gonna change the league, he’s gonna change basketball. … I still think that and I think he has an opportunity, a chance to be the most unique basketball player to ever play the game.”
The Battle Between Jokic And Wembanyama
With an overtime game in store, the high-scoring matchup included some dynamic scoring from the centers on both sides.
Victor Wembanyama checked in for 40 minutes. He shot 8-17 from the field and went 16-17 from the free-throw line. The star center produced 34 points. He logged a double-double with 18 rebounds and nearly notched a triple-double with seven assists.
As for Jokic, he won the scoring battle. In 44 minutes, the Nuggets center went 13-25 from the field and hit on 13-15 free throws for 40 points. He picked up the double-double with 13 assists and also grabbed eight rebounds.
Victor Wembanyama Is Having An MVP-Caliber Season
Along with Jokic, Wembanyama is on his way to potentially land a finalist position in the MVP race.
However, both players are typically overshadowed by the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Still, that shouldn’t take away from the young Wembanyama. The Spurs’ center appeared in 61 games leading up to Saturday’s action. This year, he is posting averages of 24.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 3.1 blocks.