Wemby's Near Quadruple-Double, Jokić's 42 Points in Spurs-Nuggets Amaze NBA Fans
Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRT
Featured Columnist IVApril 3, 2024
The following stat lines from the Denver Nuggets' 110-105 win over the San Antonio Spurs will read like something out of an NBA 2K game after you've lowered the computer's difficulty to rookie, but they are actually real. We promise.
Victor Wembanyama, who's now a shoo-in to be named Rookie of the Year, scored 23 points to go along with 15 rebounds, nine blocked shots (nine!), eight assists and a steal in the loss.
Nikola Jokić—who seems increasingly likely to win his third MVP award in the past four seasons—had 42 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal to lead his team to victory.
AltitudeTV @AltitudeTV"With 1st seed we have home court advantage and that's the most important thing is playing in front of this crowd" -Nikola Jokic on <a href="https://twitter.com/nuggets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nuggets</a> being back in 1st in the West. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MileHighBasketball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MileHighBasketball</a> <a href="https://t.co/DkIbz4iVhF">pic.twitter.com/DkIbz4iVhF</a>
Again, to reiterate—those are real stat lines, and they're spectacular.
So yes, NBA fans and pundits alike were loving every second of the epic showdown:
Some of the things that Wembanyama has done as a rookie are absolutely absurd. Just look at these stats:
Brett Usher @UsherNBAVictor Wembanyama in the first half:<br><br>14 PTS<br>7 REB<br>5 AST<br>1 STL<br>4 BLK<br><br>Since 1996-97 (as far as the data goes back), there have been two individual halves of at least 14-7-5-1-4<br><br>Both of them belong to Wemby <br><br>(h/t <a href="https://twitter.com/Stathead?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Stathead</a>) <a href="https://t.co/TnWd9LzBhI">pic.twitter.com/TnWd9LzBhI</a>
But Jokić defies belief on a regular basis as well and has continued to hit incredible milestones:
There is so much talent and skill in the modern NBA that it's easy to become desensitized to it all. Joel Embiid is a 7'2" center who can hit shots at all three levels, defend the rim, facilitate for his teammates and run the floor.
Luka Dončić hits shots that you wouldn't even attempt in a game of horse. Giannis Antetokounmpo can run the length of the court in about five strides. LeBron James is still playing dominant basketball at the age of 39. Stephen Curry is still screaming around screens and splashing threes at 36. There are too many ascending young stars to name.
But sometimes, it's important to step back and take it all in. Sometimes, you just have to stop and appreciate the truly fun and incredible performances. Wemby and Jokić provided such a moment on Tuesday.