{"id":699956,"date":"2026-04-05T18:00:34","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T18:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/699956\/"},"modified":"2026-04-05T18:00:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T18:00:34","slug":"victor-wembanyama-gets-strong-message-from-nikola-jokic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/699956\/","title":{"rendered":"Victor Wembanyama Gets Strong Message From Nikola Jokic"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Victor\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Victor Wembanyama during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 23, 2025<\/p>\n

Saturday\u2019s NBA<\/a> slate served fans a battle of dynamic bigs.<\/p>\n

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets took on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs<\/a>. As expected, the April 4 battle did not disappoint.<\/p>\n

After the game, Denver center Nikola Jokic spoke about going against Wembanyama once again. To no surprise, the three-time MVP had nothing but praise for his fellow big man.<\/p>\n

via Bennett Durando, Denver Post: Nikola Jokic on Wemby: \u201cI think the first time I played against him, I told you guys that he\u2019s gonna change the league, he\u2019s gonna change basketball. \u2026 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

GettySAN ANTONIO, TEXAS \u2013 MARCH 19: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs is surrounded by teammates after he scored the game-winning basket against the Phoenix Suns<\/a> at Frost Bank Center on March 19, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Battle Between Jokic And Wembanyama<\/p>\n

With an overtime game in store, the high-scoring matchup included some dynamic scoring from the centers on both sides.<\/p>\n

Victor Wembanyama checked in for 40 minutes. He shot 8-17 from the field and went 16-17 from the free-throw line. The star center produced 34 points. He logged a double-double with 18 rebounds and nearly notched a triple-double with seven assists.<\/p>\n

\"Nikola<\/p>\n

GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA \u2013 DECEMBER 29: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts against the Miami Heat<\/a> during the first quarter at Kaseya Center on December 29, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

As for Jokic, he won the scoring battle. In 44 minutes, the Nuggets center went 13-25 from the field and hit on 13-15 free throws for 40 points. He picked up the double-double with 13 assists and also grabbed eight rebounds.<\/p>\n

Victor Wembanyama Is Having An MVP-Caliber Season
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA \u2013 DECEMBER 03: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs walks off the floor during the second half of the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on December 03, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Spurs 104-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Along with Jokic, Wembanyama is on his way to potentially land a finalist position in the MVP race.<\/p>\n

However, both players are typically overshadowed by the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.<\/p>\n

Still, that shouldn\u2019t take away from the young Wembanyama. The Spurs\u2019 center appeared in 61 games leading up to Saturday\u2019s action. This year, he is posting averages of 24.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 3.1 blocks.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJustin Grasso<\/a> Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Spurs\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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