Vassell’s 35 Points Lead Spurs Past Nuggets in NBA Cup Thriller

David Zalubowski -AP

DENVER — Devin Vassell erupted for a season-high 35 points, including 7-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc, to propel the San Antonio Spurs to a 139-136 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, securing a spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Julian Champagnie contributed a career-best 25 points, helping the Spurs overcome an 18-point third-quarter deficit and ending Denver’s three-game home winning streak. San Antonio excelled at the free-throw line, converting 30 of 32 attempts, and capitalized on 17 Nuggets turnovers to score 30 points. For the Nuggets, Jamal Murray led all scorers with 37 points, while Cam Johnson added 28 and Nikola Jokic contributed 21. Murray also reached a milestone, becoming the fifth player in franchise history to surpass 10,000 career points. Jokic dazzled fans with a behind-the-back assist to Spencer Jones in the second quarter as Denver established a 74-59 halftime lead. Both teams were missing key players: Spurs star Victor Wembanyama (calf) and Stephon Castle (hip) were out, while Denver sat starters Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle). Without Wembanyama, San Antonio leaned heavily on outside shooting, with eight players connecting from three-point range.

Denver used a 23-6 run late in the first half to build a 15-point advantage, and Murray’s opening three-pointer in the third quarter extended the lead to 18.

However, the Spurs dominated the third quarter and narrowed the deficit to 104-103 heading into the final period. San Antonio will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, while Denver travels to take on the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. Both teams are on the second night of back-to-back games following Thursday night contests.