Nikola Jokic Scores 42 And Outduels Victor Wembanyama To Set Nuggets Scoring Mark

April 3, 2024

Nikola Jokic scored 42 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and dished out six assists, as the Nuggets defeated the Spurs, 110-105, in NBA action Tuesday night.

To note, Jokic in his 10th NBA season has now scored 13,978 points while playing for the Nuggets, which ranks him third in franchise history, passing Carmelo Anthony (13,970). Throughout his seven-year career in Denver, Carmelo averaged 24.8 points (46% FG), 6.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.

When comparing the two players’ careers in a No. 15 Nuggets jersey, Jokic played in 105 games more than Anthony, but took exactly 1,200 fewer shots. That is to say, Carmelo still ranks 10th all-time in NBA history with 28,289 points scored throughout his entire career.

Now the Serbian big man only trails Alex English (21,645) and Dan Issel (14,659), who rank first and second on the Nuggets’ all-time scoring list.

The Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama dropped a near quadruple-double, putting up 23 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, while making his defensive presence known, recording nine blocks, or as Jokic jokingly stated, “He had like 600 blocks tonight, but we got the win.” The likely Rookie of the Year award winner is now averaging 21.2 points (46.4% FG; 31.9% 3-PT), 10.5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks on the season.

Jokic had the edge offensively as he went 18-for-32 from the field, making twice as many shots as Wembanyama, who went 9-for-29. Nevertheless, the 20-year-old still held his own against the two-time NBA MVP.

“Well, sure. Victor gained a lot of respect tonight because Nikola is the best,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “For Victor to want to guard him and to learn, it was a real testament to how good he wants to be. To go up against Nikola, like I said, shows a lot. And he is learning by the minute.”

After a win tonight, the Nuggets (53-23) are now first in the Western Conference, while the Thunder (52-23) and Timberwolves (52-23) are only a half-game behind. The Spurs, on the other hand, have the worst record in the West, and will have to rematch the defending champs on April 12 in San Antonio, which means fans will get another face-off between Jokic and Wemby.