Nikola Jokic and Vitor Wembanyama lavished praise upon one another after the Denver Nuggets outlasted the San Antonio Spurs to win a dramatic encounter 136-134 in overtime.

San Antonio entered Saturday's game in red-hot form after 11 straight wins, while Wembanyama had put himself in contention for the NBA's MVP award.

Wembanyama had 34 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists and five blocked shots at Ball Arena, but it was Jokic that proved the game-winner after putting up 40 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds.

The Spurs had led 107-96 with 9:08 left to play in regulation time, only for Denver to go on a 17-8 run and force the additional period, where Jokic had seven points on 3-of-4 shooting, compared to just two points for Wembanyama. 

Having watched his team stretch their own winning run to eight games, Nuggets head coach David Adelman said: "I would pay to watch these two teams play."

And Jokic and Wembanyama both left a positive impression upon one another.

The Denver star had his third career game with at least 40 points, 10 assists and three blocks, with only Dwyane Wade enjoying more such games (five) since blocks were first tracked in 1973-74.

Wembanyama recognised Jokic's quality in his post-game interview, saying: "I think it was an amazing game. Very fun. One of the most fun games. 

"I wish we could have closed it out. Everything that happened tonight is good for us. It was a real test against a team that's playing for something right now. It had a little bit of playoff vibes. 

"They've got the best offensive player in the world. So, when you come into these games, you always have to be focused on defense."

This is the best time to be a hoops fan  pic.twitter.com/XSJuPCpJF3

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 4, 2026

Jokic offered plenty of praise in return, saying of Wembanyama: "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. I still think that. I think he has an opportunity, a chance to be the most unique basketball player to ever play the game."

The Nuggets' victory improved them to 50-28 for the season, the fourth-best record in the Western Conference, while the Spurs are second in the standings at 59-19.