On Friday evening, with the sport on the road, the reigning NBA MVP tried to attain on the reigning Rookie of the 12 months. Youth gained.
With the San Antonio Spurs main the Denver Nuggets by one level within the last seconds, Victor Wembanyama’s stifling protection pressured Nikola Jokic right into a wild cross. The cross 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 recreation. 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 previous and has gained three of the final 4 MVP trophies. This was Wembanyama’s last recreation 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 probably the most important distinction within the recreation. 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 distant from Wembanyama being a perennial contender for that award.
