On Wednesday, the San Antonio Spurs snapped a five-game losing streak by beating the Denver Nuggets, 113-106.
While some might be quick to point out that Denver was without Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Jamal Murray, and they played a double-overtime game the night before, the Spurs were also coming off a back-to-back, had to travel, and were missing Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan.
So, on paper at least, it would seem the two teams were even and the Spurs were able to escape with a win.
The Spurs were led by Harrison Barnes' 20 points, but seven of the nine players who suited up recorded ten or more points.
Rookie Stephon Castle offered 15 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists in one of his very best games of the season, and Sandro Mamukelashvili led the bench unit with 16 points.
Russell Westbrook made up for his late-game blunders in the thriller against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 30-point game against the Spurs, although he shot only 11-25 from the floor, leaving some effecency to be desired.
Related: Gregg Popovich Disciple Shares Personal Update After Playing San Antonio Spurs
While it was too little for the Spurs to make a playoff run, it's the second season in a row that the Spurs have beaten the Nuggets in a late-season game on the backs of role players.
Last season, Devonte' Graham hit a game-winner against the Nuggets to ice a thrilling game where Wembanyama scored 34 points and nabbed 12 rebounds.
Better days to be sure, but fans can be excited about the Spurs almost certainly being in the mix next season. The Spurs will have to host the mighty Cleveland Cavaliers tomorrow in a Friday night game.
Check out the Inside the Spurs home page for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
Related: Spurs' Stephon Castle Details Defensive Success Against NBA Star
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 7:15 AM.