41 points, 18 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals for the first, and 35 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks for the second: the head to head between Nikola Jokic et Victor Wembanyama sparked on Friday. The match between the Nuggets and the Spurs focused on the duel between the two stars, who both delivered a great performance. For “Wemby”, looking a three-time league MVP straight in the eye is a new sign of the dimension he is taking on in recent weeks. And Nikola Jokic is not mistaken, with many compliments for his young opponent.
The two interiors gave everything, until the last possession, to decide who would emerge victorious for the evening. Statistically, the advantage is for Jokic, by a short head: 46 to 44 in the evaluation thanks in particular to his 41 points scored. But it was Spurs who had the last word, with a decisive Wembanyama without taking a single shot in the last three minutes. And it was in defense, on a final possession with Jokic ball in hand that the Frenchman sealed the fate of the match.
« I couldn't make contact with Wemby, I tried to take the shot by stepping back after a step to shift but he had already moved back »deciphered Nikola Jokic. “ I think he would have countered me. Maybe I should have let him block me and hopefully the ball would have ended up in touch. » Instead, it ended up in the hands of Devin Vassell, following a pass from the Serb that Wembanyama touched first.
15/36 shooting for Jokic
This defensive impact is all the more remarkable as the 2024 rookie of the year had to hold on after receiving his fifth foul 8'46″ from the end. Which did not prevent him from contributing fully to Nikola Jokic's 15/36 shot. “ I feel like all the shots I took were short, especially 3-pointers » explained the Nuggets player. “ Obviously Wembanyama makes you take complicated shots and forces you to do things differently. He is complete and he makes differences on both sides of the field. »
« He's better this season than last season, obviously, and he's going to get even better »continues the outgoing MVP. “ The experience, how his body will change, his learning the systems with good veterans that he now has on his team to help him grow… He's a special player. He will be a one-of-a-kind player, and he will be remembered for eternity. »
Jokic, a source of inspiration for Wembanyama and the Spurs
The praise is as flattering as it is promising as Victor Wembanyama only played his 100 last nighte career match, on the eve of his 21ste birthday. The Habs also enjoyed their evening against opposition of such caliber. “ I really enjoyed facing Jokic, he is a three-time MVP, he will be again soon » he assured the media. » You can't do better to improve yourself. He taught me a lot. For Mike Malone to say that the Spurs use me like the Nuggets use Jokic, I take it as a compliment. Because Jokic, even with all the double-takes he goes through every game, makes his teammates better. This is 100% what I want to become. »
Friday evening, Victor Wembanyama had already taken his example from the “Joker”, by playing the facilitator at the end of the match. Well defended, he was able to read the game well to find Keldon Johnson, then Chris Paul for crucial lay-ups in the last two minutes. “ When we give him help, we help the whole team, because he attracts defensive help, it frees us up for open shots or it gives us space towards the rim » summarizes Devin Vassell, who wishes “ good luck to the league » in the face of his teammate's performances. A Wembanyama that Keldon Johnson already sees as ” the best NBA player, but also the best defender« .
