DENVER — A gripping matchup unfolded on the third night of 2025, pitting two generational talents against each other in what could be considered the most thrilling 1-on-1 duel in recent NBA history.
At the heart of the action was reigning superstar Nikola Jokic at the free-throw line, while Spurs prodigy Victor Wembanyama resolutely defended the basket, clinging to a slim one-point lead. .
A nine-year age difference separated the two athletes as Jokic attempted to unleash his signature move, the Sombor Shuffle, amid intense competition at Denver’s Ball Arena. However, with a rematch scheduled in just 24 hours in San Antonio, that age gap is expected to shrink to just eight years. Wembanyama, the young phenom, emerged victorious from this encounter, in a match which undoubtedly contributed to his maturation as a player, coinciding with his 21st birthday festivities that same evening.
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“MVP several times. Soon to be MVP again,” Wembanyama said of Jokic, noting the incredible opportunity to learn from one of the game’s greats.
In return, the three-time MVP called Wembanyama “the one who will always be remembered,” recognizing the young center’s immense potential.
The crucial moment at the end of the match will undoubtedly feature in Wembanyama’s highlight reel for his bid for the Defensive Player of the Year Award. After Jamal Murray returned the ball to Jokic with 17 seconds on the clock, he set up a two-man play, which Jokic noted “usually works well” in decisive moments. Despite a disappointing shooting night where Murray finished 6 of 17, he made a valiant effort to create an opening.
As Jokic prepared to elevate his game, he reflected on the moment: “Maybe I should just shoot right away; then I tried to engage Wemby, and Champagnie was approaching. I couldn’t initiate contact.”
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Double-marking proved problematic, leading to his consideration of an off-balance shot – a tactic he hesitated to employ against the talented Frenchman.
“I went for the off-balance shot but I almost felt like he was going to block it,” Jokic said. “I thought about letting him block it, hoping the ball would go out of bounds.” Jokic ultimately decided to adapt his shooting on the move, clashing with a defensive identity that Wembanyama quickly developed. The Sombor Shuffle, known to be ingrained in Jokic’s arsenal during high-pressure moments, became an interesting challenge against Wembanyama’s length.
In the crucial late moments of the game, the Spurs, who capitalized on Denver’s mistakes, orchestrated a quick response after intercepting Jokic’s attempted cross-court pass to Michael Porter Jr., allowing Vassell to complete a dunk striking.
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“It was a bad waste of ball,” Jokic lamented, referring to only his second mistake of the match as Wembanyama’s defensive grip was unyielding.
“Of course he can do it because he is a special player,” Jokic assessed, on the challenge posed by the rookie phenom, who showed tenacity and skill throughout the match.
With just 1.7 seconds remaining, Denver opted not to call a timeout after the Spurs’ dazzling dunk, a mistake Murray recognized as he quickly threw a long pass to Porter, who, alas, missed a three-pointer potentially savior as the buzzer sounded. Reflecting on coaching decisions, Murray noted, “Nowadays, when a team is up by three points, they immediately zone the three-point line and foul, so sometimes it’s better to keep playing without calling a timeout .”
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In hindsight, Jokic and head coach Michael Malone both acknowledged that it might have been wiser to take a timeout to regroup.
“Tonight we weren’t sharp to finish the game, which was our calling card,” Malone said ruefully.
The spaces around Jokic were scrutinized, effectively restricting him in tight areas that led to San Antonio’s decisive steal. As the heavy double-scoring collapsed on him, there appeared to be a misalignment with two shooters available, but ineffective.
Although Jokic finished with impressive stats of 41 points and 18 rebounds, he shot just 15 of 36; Wembanyama, celebrating his 100th game, totaled a spectacular 35 points and 18 rebounds, demonstrating his maturation with crucial 3-pointers and step-backs that would have seemed improbable for someone 7’2″ just two seasons ago.
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Before the match, Malone said, “The Spurs exploit Wembanyama in a similar way to how we play with Jokic – exploiting every facet of his skill set through varied actions.”
Since Wembanyama was picked first by San Antonio in 2023, teams like Denver have felt the urgency to maximize their championship potential. The Spurs (18-16) continue to exceed expectations as Wembanyama, averaging 26 points and four blocks, is already demonstrating why he is a generational talent. His 100th match served as a poignant reminder of Jokic’s finite championship window, although Wembanyama was full of praise for his rival.
“Jokic is one of those players who, despite double-scoring every game, continues to elevate his teammates,” Wembanyama said, “and that’s precisely the type of player I aspire to be.”
