SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs suffered a 136-131 defeat against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, a game overshadowed by the late scratch of star rookie Victor Wembanyama due to right ankle soreness. The loss halts the Spurs’ impressive run of form, though they remain a formidable presence in the Western Conference playoff picture.
Wembanyama, who had been listed as questionable earlier in the day, was ultimately ruled out approximately 45 minutes before tip-off, according to reports. The decision came after a light shootaround where the 22-year-old participated, but without any full-court activity, as noted by Matthew Tynan of Corporate Knowledge.
The absence of the highly anticipated Wembanyama was keenly felt, despite a valiant effort from Stephon Castle, who delivered a standout performance with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Spurs built a 20-point lead in the second quarter, but the Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic’s dominant 31-point, 20-rebound, 12-assist triple-double and Jamal Murray’s 39 points, mounted a furious comeback.
This marks Wembanyama’s 15th missed game of the 2025-2026 season. The team is carefully managing his workload, particularly with award eligibility in mind. Wembanyama needs to play in at least 65 games – including the NBA Cup Final, which counts toward the total despite not impacting regular season standings – to be eligible for end-of-season individual accolades. He is currently permitted to miss up to 17 regular season games to remain eligible.
Spurs’ Recent Surge Tempered by Injury
The Spurs entered Thursday’s contest having won 16 of their last 17 games, and boasting the league’s hottest record since January 1st. Wembanyama’s play has been central to this success, earning him the Western Conference Player of the Month award for February. His ability to adapt to defensive schemes, as he recently stated, has been a key factor in his impressive performances. “I’m adapting to what the defense gives me,” Wembanyama said. “I reckon that’s something that defines me. It’s something I don’t want to lose, ever.”
Though, the Nuggets proved too strong without their star. Jokic’s versatility and Murray’s scoring prowess proved difficult for the Spurs to contain, particularly in the fourth quarter, which offered a glimpse of the intensity of playoff basketball for San Antonio’s young core.
Looking Ahead for San Antonio
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson emphasized a cautious approach to Wembanyama’s injury, stating pregame, “We’ll be mindful of all of it. Fortunately, I think regardless, this is something we view as very short term. It’s very much how he’s feeling versus risk of bigger picture.” This suggests the team is prioritizing Wembanyama’s long-term health over immediate results.
The Spurs’ next game is scheduled for [insert date and time of next game – *verification needed*] against [insert opponent – *verification needed*] at [insert venue – *verification needed*]. Updates on Wembanyama’s status will likely be provided closer to tip-off. Fans can follow the team’s official channels for the latest information.
Despite the setback, the Spurs remain firmly in contention in the Western Conference. Their ability to compete even without Wembanyama speaks to the depth and resilience of the roster, and the coaching staff’s ability to develop young talent. The team’s performance against the Nuggets, while ultimately a loss, provided valuable experience and a test of their mettle as they prepare for a potential playoff run.
The game also highlighted the growing chemistry between Castle and the rest of the Spurs’ supporting cast. Castle’s all-around performance demonstrated his potential as a key player for the franchise, and his ability to step up in Wembanyama’s absence will be crucial moving forward.
For the Nuggets, the victory reinforces their position as one of the top teams in the Western Conference. Jokic and Murray continue to form a dynamic duo, and their ability to overcome adversity on the road is a testament to their championship pedigree.
The Spurs will need to regroup quickly and focus on their next challenge. With Wembanyama’s health remaining a key concern, the team will need to rely on its collective strength and determination to continue its pursuit of a playoff berth.
