On Friday night time, with the sport on the road, the reigning NBA MVP tried to attain on the reigning Rookie of the 12 months. Youth received.
With the San Antonio Spurs main the Denver Nuggets by one level within the remaining seconds, Victor Wembanyama’s stifling protection compelled Nikola Jokic right into a wild go. The go was stolen, and Devin Vassell dunked it for the ultimate factors, leading to a 113-110 Spurs victory.
Each facilities put up spectacular stat strains within the sport. Jokic scored 41 factors on 15-36 capturing, together with 18 rebounds and 9 assists. Wembanyama scored 35 on 14-21 capturing, nabbing 18 rebounds and blocking two pictures. Jokic shot 3-10 on three-pointers, and Wemby was 4-6, sinking one triple behind the arc.
Jokic is 29 years outdated and has received three of the final 4 MVP trophies. This was Wembanyama’s remaining sport earlier than he turns 21 on Saturday. The win was the proper present from Wemby to himself.
Whereas each facilities put up large scoring numbers, the protection of Wembanyama, the runner-up for Defensive Participant of the 12 months final season, made essentially the most important distinction within the sport. Wemby solely blocked two pictures, however his mere presence across the basket deterred Denver from capturing inside. They took 40 three-pointers, method up from their 30.8 per-game common (the fewest within the NBA).
Jokic stays the favourite to win the MVP this season, however Friday confirmed we’re not far-off from Wembanyama being a perennial contender for that award.
