Game Thread: Spurs (17-16) at Nuggets (19-13) January 3, 2025 | 8:00 PM CT / 4:00 AM Riga / 4:00 PM Hawaii

[100%duncan]

I just saw the boxscore. I had no idea Jokic had 41 and 18. He definitely fills the stat sheet in a stealthy manner.

BTW, the officiating when it comes to Jokic is one-sided. He committed at least 3 obvious fouls on Collins and at least 1 on Wemby, but the refs refused to call the fouls. He absolutely got MVP treatment.

As he should. The problem is the Wemby should also be getting one considering hes obviously the next face of the nba

[MannyIsGod]

Right now Wemby should work on his turnovers

He's actually been way better about that bur was atrocious tonight. That being said it's something he's really improved over last year on.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Really underrated aspect of this game is Wemby with 5 fouls and still able to play sound great defense. I thought he was going to foul out for sure when Jokic had the ball the last couple of times at the end of the game.

[LeBowen]

Not having anyone who can consistenly attack the rim remains the #1 issue of this team.
There was a possession with Deandre on Castle, but they still ran a PNR instead of Castle going straight at him.
Tre also can't do shit, made one solid layup, should've had 5 from those situations.

Someone like Fox would've had 20 in the paint tonight without breaking a sweat.

[spursparker9]

When Wemby did the fake 3 into an assist, he was literally sucking the defense out to him like a gravitational force.

Then he shut down the MVP on a game winning shot attempt.

We have one man who can do both of those things.

That was amazing. Not even Curry can pull this off. Only someone with the height (to see over the def) and the logo range can!

[Tyronn Lue]

As far as DV going to the corner vs dunking, Manu ain't walkin' through that door. Not too many players not named Chris Paul or Manu Ginobili have the situational awareness to do that.

[scott]

Bro you can't hate on him for this game. His offense kept the Spurs in the game with Wemby on the bench. I don't care what plus minus says he was a big time reason we won tonight.

Handing out awards for World's Tallest Midget

[baseline bum]

I just saw the boxscore. I had no idea Jokic had 41 and 18. He definitely fills the stat sheet in a stealthy manner.

BTW, the officiating when it comes to Jokic is one-sided. He committed at least 3 obvious fouls on Collins and at least 1 on Wemby, but the refs refused to call the fouls. He absolutely got MVP treatment.

9 assists too. Man I never seen anyone like Jokic before, fucking ridiculous player.

[spursparker9]

Really underrated aspect of this game is Wemby with 5 fouls and still able to play sound great defense. I thought he was going to foul out for sure when Jokic had the ball the last couple of times at the end of the game.

The refs were swallowing their whistle on a few calls tbh. But we will take it :lol

[Kawhi Duncan]

CP3 needs to initiate the offense in that situation, not fucking vASSell

This is how CP3 actually makes his teammates better tho... Notice he many times gives the ball to others to initiate the offense instead of him doing it all the time and making everyone else simply he spit up shooters like LeBron does

[cutewizard]

A definite improvement compared to last year

Now they are not afraid of the big moments

[vy65]

As far as DV going to the corner vs dunking, Manu ain't walkin' through that door. Not too many players not named Chris Paul or Manu Ginobili have the situational awareness to do that.

Understanding time is not a skill unique to professional basketball players.

[CorrectCrusader]

Nothing like badwagoner fans

I've been going to spurs games since I was 5 moron

[spursparker9]

9 assists too. Man I never seen anyone like Jokic before, fucking ridiculous player.

When all is over, statistically he will be the goat over MJ and lebron

[John B]

As he should. The problem is the Wemby should also be getting one considering hes obviously the next face of the nba

Believe me it’s going to be years of favoring Wemby as the milking cow of NBA and sports media

[skin27]

When all is over, statistically he will be the goat over MJ and lebronno jokic doesnt have defense

[scott]

As far as DV going to the corner vs dunking, Manu ain't walkin' through that door. Not too many players not named Chris Paul or Manu Ginobili have the situational awareness to do that.

Man, I think we've been watching dumbass basketball for too long to think that it requires some kind of Level 1000 brain to know this.

Example would be Donte Divencenzo the other night closing out the passing lane instead of the shooter when it went to Vassell. That's too Big Brain for most of our players, but it's actually just standard NBA level BBIQ.

[TheBallsbreakers]

When all is over, statistically WEMBY will be the goat over MJ and lebron
FIFY

[John B]

When all is over, statistically he will be the goat over MJ and lebron

Sabonis was 10 years late when he finally entered the NBA

[cutewizard]

Jokic is uncannily skillful

[TekXX]

We're in 8 place guys, we made the playoffs!

[100%duncan]

Wait wait wait. Denver had 2 timeouts? :lmao

[vy65]

It is crazy to think we’re 18-16 when we were like 8-28 this time last year

[thiste]

9 assists too. Man I never seen anyone like Jokic before, fucking ridiculous player.

36 shots tho... to Wemby's 21

[cutewizard]

Great win though

[thiste]

It is crazy to think we’re 18-16 when we were like 8-28 this time last year

After the same amount of games we were 5-29 :wow

[MannyIsGod]

Handing out awards for World's Tallest Midget

Nah Vassel was legit good tonight. You should just give the dude credit. It's one game.

[YoungbuckMurray]

Ya or they him, we don’t make both FT’s and they win the game on a 3. He didn’t have a tun of space Murray would have fouled him

[rascal]

I cant believe we won that after the closes losses the past 2 weeks

Spurs can't lose all the close games

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GgbCkwVW4AAbVXc?format=jpg&name=medium

[cutewizard]

Wemby with good decision making at the very end

[CGD]

He's actually been way better about that bur was atrocious tonight. That being said it's something he's really improved over last year on.

My theory is that, as he tries to build his post game (which we all want), he’s trying to add the Timmy rip-through move. But when he does that he brings it down way too low, and tonight Brick was basically diving on the floor each time to get it.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Wemby is probably the only player on the planet that can block that Jokic shot that he shot at the end of the game. Jokic 100% thought he could get that off and thats why he turned it over at the end because he was shooting that shot no matter and did not even think about passing until he was like oh shit this kids actually going to block my shit.

[CGD]

Nah Vassel was legit good tonight. You should just give the dude credit. It's one game.

He really was, and I thought he was at least trying of D.

[rascal]

Good play by Vassell with the steal and easy dunk at the end. Denver didn't have much time left.

[BatManu20]

1875395659031048537

[sananspursfan21]

Don’t look now, but the Spurs are putting together much more complete games.

[John B]

no jokic doesnt have defense

Jokic has 107.6 defensive rating, top 10 in steals and deflections, is averaging 1.7 steals, .6 blocks, 13 rebounds 3.4 offensive. And on top of that, almost triple-double average. You can’t hate this guy, just appreciate his greatness

[rascal]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GgbCkwVW4AAbVXc?format=jpg&name=medium

Bye Bye Lottery pick

Good luck trying to add the 2nd all star

[timtonymanu]

no jokic doesnt have defense

Yeah all time offensive player but his defense is abysmal and takes him out of GOAT discussion immediately.

[Kawhi Duncan]

This is the balance we have been saying Wemby needs with his shot distribution... The past 2 games he has been putting up monster numbers and we have had great wins, and he was constantly trying to bully ppl inside

[ducks]

Don’t look now, but the Spurs are putting together much more complete games.

Pop is not near the sidelines

[cutewizard]

Helluva achievement of 8th place in a loaded West

[BatManu20]

Quick turnaround too. We play Denver again tomorrow night back in SA.

[John B]

Bye Bye Lottery pick

Good luck trying to add the 2nd all star

Jimmy Butler??

[John B]

Quick turnaround too. We play Denver against tomorrow night back in SA.

Spurs have younger players and the home crowd. GSG!

[rascal]

Spurs have a better win % with Sochan not playing over the last two years

[sananspursfan21]

Quick turnaround too. We play Denver against tomorrow night back in SA.

Not sure whether I feel good or terrified about tomorrow night

[skin27]

Yeah all time offensive player but his defense is abysmal and takes him out of GOAT discussion immediately.


wemby is the one who can surpass jordan and lebron if he somehow tie jokic 3 MVP in his prime with couple of DPOY award and a bunch of 1st team all defense.

[cutewizard]

We need a good back up center guys

[heyheymymy]

What was Sochan's timetable for return? Is he available for tomorrow?

[vy65]

Nah Vassel was legit good tonight. You should just give the dude credit. It's one game.

On balance, compared to his recent history, you’re absolutely right. You can say he had a good overall game and also say that he should have dribbled out the clock. It’s not mutually exclusive.

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah all time offensive player but his defense is abysmal and takes him out of GOAT discussion immediately.

Lol what? This isn't the jokic of early in his career. Dude is the best player in the NBA and he def plays defense.

[Tyronn Lue]

Man, I think we've been watching dumbass basketball for too long to think that it requires some kind of Level 1000 brain to know this.

Situational awareness isn't the Spurs' strong suit right now, maybe later.


Example would be Donte Divencenzo the other night closing out the passing lane instead of the shooter when it went to Vassell. That's too Big Brain for most of our players, but it's actually just standard NBA level BBIQ.
Spurs need to purge dumb players and get at least a couple higher IQ players who can run offense without trying to be the offense.

[MannyIsGod]

On balance, compared to his recent history, you’re absolutely right. You can say he had a good overall game and also say that he should have dribbled out the clock. It’s not mutually exclusive.

No disagreement from me that dribbling out the clock is the better choice.

[rascal]

Helluva achievement of 8th place in a loaded West

Teams closely bunched up in the west. A couple of wins or losses either way can put the Spurs from 4th to 11th.

[poopbox]

Luka out indefinitely and we 1.5 back of the 6th seed.

I want to believe :cry

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gga-HUQaoAAESD5?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[weeks]

Luka out indefinitely and we 1.5 back of the 6th seed.

I want to believe :cry

AND WE WON'T BE SNEAKING

[T Park]

Win of the year.

24 was a stud.

bring Valanciunas and Cam Johnson onto the team already please

[vy65]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gga-HUQaoAAESD5?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

This is absolutely disgusting

[cutewizard]

What picks can we get at this level ??

[vy65]

Luka out indefinitely and we 1.5 back of the 6th seed.

I want to believe :cry

If we’re similarly situated in 2-3 weeks time, does PATFO move some chips in at the trade deadline for a different “race for seis?” I’d really hope they do.

[MannyIsGod]

Sure the Wemby defense on jokic was good but imagine if he was as good as doom jjj.

[baseline bum]

It is crazy to think we’re 18-16 when we were like 8-28 this time last year

We have a PG and don't have Pop on the sidelines this year, it makes sense tbh.

[LeBowen]

If we’re similarly situated in 2-3 weeks time, does PATFO move some chips in at the trade deadline for a different “race for seis?” I’d really hope they do.

They need to do it asap because not having a backup big will cost us wins against playoff teams.

[John B]

Sure the Wemby defense on jokic was good but imagine if he was as good as doom jjj.

I’ve always coveted jjj as a Spur being ‘99 champ Jared’s son and all

[T Park]

They need to do it asap because not having a backup big will cost us wins against playoff teams.

damn near every playoff level team is wanting a back up or starting center. so its not just that easy to go and get one

[baseline bum]

Bye Bye Lottery pick

Good luck trying to add the 2nd all star

Gotta trade for that second star, that's the whole point of stockpiling all those picks.

[John B]

Gotta trade for that second star, that's the whole point of stockpiling all those picks.

Bring home the bacon… Zion! Spurs next reclamation project

[baseline bum]

Lol what? This isn't the jokic of early in his career. Dude is the best player in the NBA and he def plays defense.

Wow I know Jokic is a good defender but didn't realize he is elite by advanced stats. 96th percentile on crafted DPM is pretty ridiculous.

https://craftednba.com/players/nikola-jokic

[timtonymanu]

1875395659031048537

Not to hate on Sochan, but an interesting stat is that the Spurs are 10-5 in games without Sochan. Hmm..

[DAF86]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gga-HUQaoAAESD5?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

That is fucking insane.

[jehawk81]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gga-HUQaoAAESD5?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

DAYUMMMM

[Arcadian]

I really hyped this game in my mind, because Victor and Jokic are my two favorite players. It lived up to the hype.

[T Park]

Bring home the bacon… Zion! Spurs next reclamation project

yuck

[John B]

That is fucking insane.

Are we talking about Devin’s telegraphing that pass, Champ’s box out on Braun, or Keldon’s help defense?

[NASpurs]

We'll get our asses beaten for sure but I would like to see a playoff series between these two teams. Hopefully it can happen this year. It would be a great learning experience for Wemby against Jokic.

[baseline bum]

Bring home the bacon… Zion! Spurs next reclamation project

No thanks, Zion is the anti-Wemby when it comes to drive and he's not the athlete he was three years ago either. He had the talent to have brought NOP a ring by now but he never gave a shit despite having a GM who put excellent supporting casts around him. If LeBron would have had teammates like Jrue Holiday and Brandon Ingram he would have brought Cleveland a title by year 4 or 5.

[Knoxxx]

The Spurs are 1.5 games from 4th in West.

[ducks]

Gotta trade for that second star, that's the whole point of stockpiling all those picks.

Yes ! Not butler though !

[ducks]

Jimmy Butler??

His contract runs out this year
Second team he demanded out
No thank you
Also on the old side

[John B]

No thanks, Zion is the anti-Wemby when it comes to drive and he's not the athlete he was three years ago either. He had the talent to have brought NOP a ring by now but he never gave a shit despite having a GM who put excellent supporting casts around him. If LeBron would have had teammates like Jrue Holiday and Brandon Ingram he would have brought Cleveland a title by year 4 or 5.

It’s not like the Pelicans have the best medical staff, if they even have a full-time not sharing with the Saints. They did a terrible job on keeping Anthony Davis healthy, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re doing a good job on Zion, preventing soft tissue injury. I’m curious what Zion’s situation be in a better organization with better medical staff, i.e. the Spurs.

[John B]

His contract runs out this year
Second team he demanded out
No thank you
Also on the old side

I just feel that any of this soon-to-be expiring contracts would be knocking on Spurs’ door next year, for a chance to play with Wemby, and that includes Butler.

[baseline bum]

It’s not like the Pelicans have the best medical staff, if they even have a full-time not sharing with the Saints. They did a terrible job on keeping Anthony Davis healthy, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re doing a good job on Zion, preventing soft tissue injury. I’m curious what Zion’s situation be in a better organization with better medical staff, i.e. the Spurs.

I'm not curious at all. The guy is eating his way out of the league. Nothing the Spurs medical staff could do for him when he refuses to drop to a sane weight like maybe 250 or even 265.

[spursparker9]

24 pages of a game thread? Is this the big 3 era again?

:lol

[spursparker9]

I just feel that any of this soon-to-be expiring contracts would be knocking on Spurs’ door next year, for a chance to play with Wemby, and that includes Butler.

I wouldn't want that fake tough guy Butler. He is 36 years old in 2025 also.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Good win.

[Mugen]

We have a PG and don't have Pop on the sidelines this year, it makes sense tbh.

[John B]

I wouldn't want that fake tough guy Butler. He is 36 years old in 2025 also.

I’d take Butler if he’d give the Spurs a discount. For a 2nd or 3rd option? Damn, I’d take Butler.

[BatManu20]

1875400035720200260

[Splits]

Spurs have a better win % with Sochan not playing over the last two years

Because he's a terrible basketball player. He's not even a basketball player, he has the worst shooting percentage in the league outside of 5 feet. He's a cancer and needs to be removed asap

[ismael-robert]

Cp is old so maybe they'll take a couple grizzled vets who never won n r desperate to. Oh and SPAM...its happening

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Wow I know Jokic is a good defender but didn't realize he is elite by advanced stats. 96th percentile on crafted DPM is pretty ridiculous.

https://craftednba.com/players/nikola-jokic

People who claim Jokic is a bad defender are boxscore/tiktok watchers.

He’s obviously not a great rim protector or defending in space but his hands are awesome and he knows where to be. Pure IQ.

[heyheymymy]

looks like we're all on island time tonight OP

[SPURt]

And babysat by Gervin with those finger rolls
It’s true, it’s the best finger roll I’ve seen since then

[emanueldavidginobili]

Tough loss CP3 had no legs on this B2B but that is expected. Dude will be 40 in a couple of months with hella miles/injuries on him. not about to come on here and bitch about him. Players need to step up when he doesn't have it, especially on a B2B.

[rascal]

Tough loss CP3 had no legs on this B2B but that is expected. Dude will be 40 in a couple of months with hella miles/injuries on him. not about to come on here and bitch about him. Players need to step up when he doesn't have it, especially on a B2B.

Other game

[onechance87]

Paul played 31 minutes tonight on a back to back and only shot 1-9, 0-4 from 3 and Castle only played 16 minutes in an overtime game. Castle isn't going to get better sitting on the bench.

That's just poor time management.

yea but then again castle is so bad at shooting....He was hurting us by not making shots.Wemby had the lane blocked off due to the nuggets
leaving castle to beat them by forcing him to make shots and he could not.

[rascal]

yea but then again castle is so bad at shooting....He was hurting us by not making shots.Wemby had the lane blocked off due to the nuggets
leaving castle to beat them by forcing him to make shots and he could not.

Paul wasn't hitting any shots tonight

[onechance87]

Paul wasn't hitting any shots tonight

nobody was