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Nikola Jokic<\/a> continues to deliver historic performances for the Denver Nuggets<\/a>. Facing the San Antonio Spurs<\/a> on Saturday night at Ball Arena, Jokic powered Denver to an overtime thriller, strengthening their push for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n Despite missing 16 games between December and January due to injury, Jokic has put together a remarkable season, averaging 27.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game. In doing so, he has become just the second player<\/a> in NBA<\/a> history, after Russell Westbrook<\/a>, to average a triple-double across two consecutive 82-game seasons.<\/p>\n On Saturday, he added another chapter to that historic campaign with a standout performance in a highly anticipated matchup against MVP favorite Victor Wembanyama<\/a>, arguably getting the better of the duel.<\/p>\n Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Jokic finished with 40 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds without committing a single turnover, becoming the first center to record such a stat line since turnovers began being tracked in the 1977\u201378 season. He also delivered in the clutch, scoring seven points in overtime on 3-of-4 shooting, including a crucial floater over Wembanyama with 9.8 seconds remaining to seal the win.<\/p>\n The Joker came to play \ud83d\udd25\ud83c\udccf — ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) April 4, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Wembanyama impressed as well, despite scoring just two points in overtime. The Spurs star recorded 34 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists, and five blocks, becoming the first player in franchise history to post at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in three consecutive games.<\/p>\n “I think the first time I played against him, I told you guys he’s going to change the league. He’s going to change basketball,” Jokic said of Wemby<\/a>. “I still think that. And I think he has an opportunity, a chance to be the most unique basketball player to ever play the game.”<\/p>\n With the victory, Denver improved to 50\u201328 and now has four games remaining to try to overtake the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> for the No. 3 seed. Their path has become considerably easier after the Lakers lost both<\/a>Luka Doncic<\/a> and Austin Reaves for the remainder of the regular season.<\/p>\n With playoff positioning on the line and Jokic chasing his fourth MVP award, the 31-year-old is likely to appear in all remaining games to meet the 65-game eligibility threshold and strengthen his case.<\/p>\n Wembanyama currently leads <\/a>the MVP race, averaging 24.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. However, the race remains tight, with Jokic and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a>, who is averaging 31.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, firmly in contention.<\/p>\n Related: Hall of Fame Coach Sets the Record Straight About Nikola Jokic\u2019s MVP Standing<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n This story was originally published by Athlon Sports<\/a> on Apr 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA<\/a> section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n\n
Against the Spurs, Nikola Jokic became the 1st center with at least 40 points, 10 assists and exactly 0 turnovers since individual turnovers were first tracked in 1977-78. pic.twitter.com\/wSH7bELFeh<\/a><\/p>\n