The ultimate buzzer on the Frost Financial institution Middle carried little urgency for the San Antonio Spurs—nevertheless it nonetheless informed a narrative. San Antonio got here into the common season finale on Sunday already locked into the No. 2 seed within the Western Convention, so lacking key items for relaxation and harm administration, the Spurs fell 128-118 to the Denver Nuggets in a recreation uncovered each vulnerability and perspective heading into the postseason.
Even with a restricted run from Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets managed stretches of the sport and by no means totally let the Spurs get better. Jokić made his presence felt early, tallying 23 factors and eight rebounds, all within the first half, earlier than sitting within the second half after securing eligibility for postseason awards.
Regardless of lacking all their starters, other than Jokic, it was Denver’s supporting solid that delivered the knockout blows. Julian Strawther erupted for 25 factors, whereas the Nuggets’ bench fueled a decisive second-quarter surge. A large 20-0 run in a interval of six minutes turned a aggressive recreation into an uphill battle San Antonio couldn’t climb out of.
”I assumed the hassle was constant,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson stated. “It’s time to regroup and we’ve bought 5 – 6 days to arrange. We must be ready and as sharp as we will.”
The Spurs, in the meantime, regarded like a staff managing the larger image. With out Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet, San Antonio struggled defensively and on the glass. Nonetheless, they discovered offense in spurts. De’Aaron Fox led the way in which with 24 factors, whereas a number of gamers reached double figures in a balanced however inconsistent assault . Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson added key contributions, serving to the Spurs trim the deficit late, however by no means sufficient to actually threaten.
Each time San Antonio pushed, Denver answered.
The Nuggets stretched their result in double digits a number of occasions within the second half, leaning on well timed taking pictures and second-chance alternatives. Even because the Spurs made a late push to chop the margin to single digits, Denver’s composure sealed the end result.
The loss snapped the common season to a detailed at 62-20 for San Antonio, a outstanding turnaround and a 34-win enchancment from the earlier yr. Extra importantly, it marked the tip of a drought, sending the Spurs again to the playoffs for the primary time since 2019.
”We’ve flipped our minds in the direction of the playoffs,” Spurs guard Stephon Citadel stated. “We’re excited and we’re anticipating to make a long term in it.”
”Regardless, it’s playoff basketball,” he added. “Seeding to us actually doesn’t matter. Like Mitch stated, simply win the sport in entrance of you, so we’re centered on that.”
And whereas this finale gained’t linger as a defining second, it did provide a preview. If these two groups meet once more within the postseason, the margin for error shall be razor skinny.
”It’s been a hell of a yr,” Spurs ahead Carter Bryant. “I’m prepared. I’m excited for the postseason.”
Sunday night time confirmed that even a shorthanded Denver squad has the firepower—and depth—to problem San Antonio. However for the Spurs, the actual season is simply starting.
