Jokic Plays First Half to Qualify for NBA Awards, Wemby Sits

Nuggets star logs 65th game to meet eligibility, while Spurs rookie rests injury

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:22pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring dynamic, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the movement and intensity of a basketball game, representing the competitive spirit of the NBA's top players.The final regular-season showdown between two of the NBA's brightest stars, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama, showcases the league's competitive spirit and the strategic importance of player eligibility.Denver Today

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic played the first half of Sunday's regular-season finale against the San Antonio Spurs to reach the 65-game threshold required for NBA awards eligibility, while Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama sat out after meeting the same requirement in his previous game.

Why it matters

Jokic, a three-time MVP, needed to play in 65 games to qualify for end-of-season awards like MVP, All-NBA, and Defensive Player of the Year. The NBA allows players to meet this requirement by playing at least 15 minutes in a game, so Jokic was able to exit after the first half. Wembanyama, the highly touted Spurs rookie, also reached the 65-game mark in his previous outing and was rested for injury management.

The details

Jokic finished the first half with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block in 18 minutes and 15 seconds of play. Wembanyama was ruled out due to a left rib contusion, though he had previously posted 40 points and 13 rebounds in 26 minutes against the Dallas Mavericks. The Nuggets need a win over the Spurs to secure the third seed in the Western Conference, while the Spurs are already locked into the 14th spot.

  • Jokic entered Sunday's game having played in 64 games this season.
  • Wembanyama qualified for award eligibility by playing in his 65th game on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.
  • Wembanyama suffered a left rib contusion and missed the second half of Monday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The players

Nikola Jokic

A three-time NBA MVP who plays center for the Denver Nuggets.

Victor Wembanyama

A highly touted rookie center for the San Antonio Spurs.

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What they’re saying

“'Yeah, he'll play the first half. Then we'll reconvene at halftime and see where he's at, where the game's at. It's what the rules provide. So we'll follow the rules.'”

— David Adelman, Denver Nuggets Head Coach

“'Yeah, he's doing well, but just a little sore and felt it was the appropriate decision. He was probably, to be honest, the closest call of the group, but just right in that kind of in between.'”

— Mitch Johnson, San Antonio Spurs Head Coach

What’s next

The Nuggets need a win over the Spurs on Sunday to secure the third seed in the Western Conference. A Nuggets loss, coupled with a win by the Los Angeles Lakers, would drop the Nuggets to fourth and move the Lakers to third.

The takeaway

This game highlights the NBA's rules around awards eligibility, which require players to participate in at least 65 games. Both Jokic and Wembanyama have met this threshold, though they took different approaches in the final game of the regular season.