The future is now: Jokic and Wemby battle in NBA's game of the year

If there’s anybody out there who is worried about the quality of the NBA product, I implore them to go back and watch Friday night’s game between the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs. While it ended in frustration for the Nuggets, who had some questionable moments down the stretch of the 113-110 loss, this one will be remembered for the clash of titans between Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama.

The best player in the world faced a guy who just may be coming for that title sooner or later and that was on full display Friday night in Denver. Jokic finished with 41 points, 18 rebounds, and 9 assists in a losing effort while Wemby tallied 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 4 assists.

The two superstar centers met multiple times last season, during Wemby’s rookie year in the NBA, but this game was on another level. They were each carrying their teams on offense and the game largely came down to which team could survive better with their star on the bench.

It was a familiar story for Nuggets fans, the team was +7 in Jokic’s 36 minutes but lost the 12 minutes without him in the game by 10. But not to be outdone, Wemby was a +17 in this one, meaning the Spurs were -14 in the 15 minutes without their tall Frenchman.

Wemby thwarts Sombor Shuffle, forces Jokic turnover on biggest play

Astonishingly, it was Wemby making the play of the game on the defensive end. In the waning seconds, with the Nuggets down by 1, Jokic tried to back him down on the block with a double coming, but Joker turned to do his signature Sombor Shuffle move only to see the 7’5” Wemby fully extended and ready to block the shot. 

Jokic tried to audible in mid-air but threw an errant pass that Devin Vassell picked off to end the game. It’s certainly not astonishing to see Wemby make incredible defensive plays - he’ll likely win DPOY this season - but it is astonishing to see anyone stonewall the Joker like this in crunch time. 

The Nuggets led by 5 with about 2 minutes left and lost the game; that doesn’t happen very often.

Wemby and Jokic first opponents with 35+ & 18+ since 1983

And for those who yearn for the days of old, the big man may officially be back in the NBA. This was the first meeting where two opponents each went for 35+ points and 18+ rebounds since 1983 when Clark Kellogg and Moses Malone accomplished the feat.

Both international big men had heaps of praise for the other after this epic battle. Jokic said of Wemby, “I think he’s a special player. One of a kind. He’s going to be remembered forever.” And Wemby raved about the Joker as well, “Multiple-time MVP. Soon to be MVP again. Can’t ask for a better way to get better.”

It’s great to hear and see the mutual respect between these European icons. The Spurs and Nuggets aren’t the two best teams in the league at the moment, but this was pound for pound, one of the best and most exciting games of the NBA season so far.

For anyone who might have been out on Friday night and missed this one, I have some good news for you. These teams will get right back to it with a rematch on Saturday night in San Antonio. Get your popcorn ready.