Victor Wembanyama described Saturday’s overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets as “an amazing game, very fun. One of the most fun games. I wish we could have closed it up.” Speaking after San Antonio’s 136-134 defeat at Ball Arena, the Spurs’ star highlighted the experience as a learning opportunity ahead of the playoffs.
“Anytime that happens tonight is good for us. It’s a real test against a team that’s actually playing for something right now,” Wembanyama said, acknowledging the Nuggets’ intensity in a game with “a little bit of playoff vibes.” He emphasized the timing of the matchup as beneficial: “There’s no better way that we would have learned. There’s no better outcome of this game to learn from us.”
The Spurs’ 7-foot-4 center reflected on the team’s late-game collapse, noting, “We couldn’t have lost it out earlier. I think we had a good lead in like one minute, 30 seconds in the fourth quarter. Obligation is to apply details more, better should say, on both sides of the floor.” Wembanyama also addressed defensive challenges: “It is a little bit different than most teams. Obviously, they got the best offensive player in the world. You always have to be focused in defense.”
Wembanyama praised his teammates’ development, particularly Julian Champagnie, who contributed off the bench: “Just his progress this year. No, it’s amazing. I think that’s a guy must have taken every opportunity to get better since I’ve been here, to apply what the coaches say, to be coachable. So it is great to see him reach some achievements like this. I’m really proud.”
He also reflected on his back-and-forth with Nikola Jokic down the stretch: “Yeah, for sure. It was really enjoyable, really challenging. Looking forward to be there again.”
Despite playing all 40 minutes, Wembanyama reported feeling strong and ready for postseason demands: “I felt good. I was still able to function through 40 minutes, so that’s good. It’s something I couldn’t have done before in Denver… I mean, I’m ready for anything. But right now, I’m really focused on recovering and making sure my body is ready every game.”
Wembanyama finished with 34 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists, and five blocks, but the Spurs were outscored by Denver 40-27 over the final 14 minutes, including overtime. Denver’s Nikola Jokic scored 16 of his 40 points in that span to help snap San Antonio’s 11-game winning streak.
Up next, the Spurs host the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, while the Nuggets face Portland.