Nuggets Edge Spurs in Overtime Thriller, Snap San Antonio’s 11-Game Streak
In a high-stakes battle of titans, the Denver Nuggets narrowly defeated the San Antonio Spurs 136-134 in overtime on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The victory was a statement for Denver, as they managed to snap San Antonio’s impressive 11-game winning streak in a game defined by a late-game surge and a dominant performance from Nikola Jokic.
Jokic Outduels Wembanyama in Clutch Finish
The game featured a heavyweight clash between two of the league’s most dominant forces. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a massive stat line, recording 40 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds. Jokic proved pivotal in the closing moments, scoring 16 of his points during the final 14 minutes of play, including overtime, to secure the win for Denver.
Victor Wembanyama put up a valiant effort for the Spurs, finishing with 34 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists, and five blocked shots. However, the Nuggets’ defense tightened in the clutch, holding Wembanyama to just 1-for-4 shooting during the final 14 minutes of the contest.
The Turning Point: A Fourth Quarter Rally
For much of the game, San Antonio appeared to be in control. The Spurs established an early lead, peaking at 57-44 midway through the second quarter following a three-point play by Stephon Castle. The lead persisted deep into the fourth quarter, with Wembanyama putting San Antonio up 107-96 with 9:08 remaining.
Historically, the Spurs have been nearly unbeatable in these scenarios, entering the game with a 48-2 record this season in games where they held double-digit leads in the fourth quarter. That trend continued to slip, however, as Denver rallied to outscore San Antonio 40-27 over the final 14 minutes. Aaron Gordon provided the heroics in regulation, scoring with 6.2 seconds left to tie the game and subsequently forcing a miss from Wembanyama on the final shot of regulation to send the game into overtime.
Supporting Cast Contributions
While the stars grabbed the headlines, several role players were essential to the outcome:
- For the Nuggets: Christian Braun contributed 21 points, while Cameron Johnson added 17. Jamal Murray provided a balanced attack with 15 points and 10 assists, and Aaron Gordon finished with 15 points.
- For the Spurs: Stephon Castle scored 20 points, while Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie both contributed 18 points to the effort.
Historical Context and Trends
This loss marks only the third time the Spurs have fallen in their last 30 games. Interestingly, the Nuggets have grow the “kryptonite” for San Antonio’s fourth-quarter dominance; Denver is now one of only three teams to beat the Spurs after they held a double-digit lead in the final period (48-3 record). This follows a previous encounter on March 12, 2026, where the Nuggets rallied from a 20-point deficit to win 136-131 in a game where Wembanyama was absent.
Key Takeaways
- Streak Ended: The Nuggets snapped the Spurs’ 11-game winning streak.
- Clutch Performance: Nikola Jokic’s 40 points and late-game scoring were the deciding factors.
- Defensive Shift: Denver held the Spurs to 33% shooting during the final 14 minutes of the game.
- Wembanyama’s Impact: Despite the loss, Wembanyama recorded a near triple-double with 5 blocks.
What’s Next?
Both teams will glance to bounce back or build momentum on Monday. The San Antonio Spurs will return home to host the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Denver Nuggets will stay put to host the Portland Trail Blazers.