Nuggets, Spurs Deliver Epic Showdown as Jokic, Wembanyama Duel for MVP

Jokic's 40-point triple-double leads Nuggets to OT win, but race for No. 3 seed still up for grabs

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:53am

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In a highly anticipated matchup between MVP frontrunners Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama, the Denver Nuggets edged the San Antonio Spurs 136-134 in overtime in a game that was described as a 'recital in greatness.' Jokic finished with 40 points, 8 rebounds, 13 assists, and 3 blocks, while Wembanyama countered with 34 points, 18 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 blocks. The win keeps the Nuggets in the hunt for the Western Conference's No. 3 seed, as they trail the Lakers by just a half-game with four games left.

Why it matters

The Nuggets-Spurs showdown featured two of the NBA's elite players in Jokic and Wembanyama, who are expected to finish 1-2 in the MVP voting. While Jokic appears destined to finish behind Wembanyama, the race for the No. 3 seed in the West remains very much in doubt, with the Nuggets looking to overtake the injury-plagued Lakers. A third-seed matchup between the Nuggets and Spurs in the playoffs would set up a tantalizing two-week duel between Jokic and Wembanyama.

The details

In a back-and-forth affair that went to overtime, the Nuggets prevailed 136-134 behind Jokic's dominant performance. The Spurs entered the game 26-1 in Wembanyama's last 27 games, but the Nuggets were able to snuff them out through Jokic's excellence. The Nuggets' win keeps them in the hunt for the No. 3 seed, as they trail the Lakers by just a half-game with four games left. Denver has a favorable remaining schedule and could run the table, while the Lakers have been hit hard by injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

  • The Nuggets and Spurs faced off on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • The Nuggets have four games remaining in the regular season.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star center and two-time MVP, who finished with 40 points, 8 rebounds, 13 assists, and 3 blocks in the win over the Spurs.

Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs' rookie sensation, who is expected to finish second in the MVP voting this season. He had 34 points, 18 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 blocks in the loss.

Christian Braun

The Nuggets' guard, who hit a career-high 5 three-pointers in the game.

Aaron Gordon

The Nuggets' forward, who hit a game-tying dunk in the final seconds of regulation to force overtime.

David Adelman

The Nuggets' head coach, who received a technical foul while defending contact on Jokic during the game.

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What they’re saying

“I would pay top dollar to watch these guys. It is good for sports. The way they both do it is completely different. At the same time, it is unique and awesome. You are not going to see two people like this in many generations.”

— David Adelman, Nuggets Head Coach

“They are both unreal players at the top of the league. Getting to watch those guys, and seeing them compete is fun.”

— Christian Braun, Nuggets Guard

“I think the first time I played against him, I told you guys that he was going to change the league. I still think that. He has a chance to be the most unique player ever.”

— Nikola Jokic

What’s next

The Nuggets have four games remaining in the regular season - at Portland, vs. Memphis, vs. Oklahoma City, and at San Antonio. They trail the Lakers by just a half-game for the No. 3 seed in the West, and the Spurs have already clinched the No. 2 seed, so they may rest starters in the season finale. The Nuggets have a realistic chance to overtake the Lakers and secure the No. 3 seed, setting up a potential second-round playoff matchup with the Spurs and another showdown between Jokic and Wembanyama.

The takeaway

This epic showdown between Jokic and Wembanyama is a preview of what could be a thrilling second-round playoff series between the Nuggets and Spurs. While Wembanyama appears poised to win MVP, Jokic is still the best player in the world and is racing to win another title before the 'Alien' takes over. The Nuggets' win keeps them in the hunt for the No. 3 seed, which would set up a must-see matchup between the two superstars.