Nikola Jokić had 46 points and 10 rebounds as the Denver Nuggets spoiled Victor Wembanyama’s 21st birthday on Saturday, beating the San Antonio Spurs 122-111 in overtime. However, Wemabanyama also finished a game with a stellar performance, scoring 20 points and grabbing 23 rebounds on the night.

This ended the back-to-back games series in a split between the two teams. The Spurs were victorious on Friday 113-110 when Wembanyama stole the show. Furthermore, these consecutive games have exposed a major flaw in the Nuggets star’s game as recently fired Sacramento Kings coach, Mike Brown’s statement resurfaced on The Hoops Collective.

Brown who was on the show a few years earlier was how to stop the Joker. He replied, “You got to try to make him a pure score because, if he’s facilitating he’s going to get Buckets too so, you got to try to make him as one-dimensional as possible, even if he’s putting up 50 well, it worked.” Brown meant to make Jokić focused on just scoring and guarding the rest of the team. If he scores fifty after that, he does but try to minimize his other aspects as much as possible.

That’s the only way to guard the Serbian according to Brown. Well, there aren’t many other options available, are there? This exposed weakness seemed to actually work for the Spurs in their first clash as despite Jokić scoring 41 the Nuggets fell short to San Antonio. Well, that being said, Jokić had nothing but appreciation for the Spurs big man after the two battled it out on the court. Let’s see what he had to say about Wembanyama.

“I think he’s a special player.”: Nikola Jokić on Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs and Nuggets went head-to-head against each other on Friday night. It was late in the game when Wembanyama stole a pass from Jokić and ensured the Spurs came out victorious. The towering Frenchman was the center of attention after a stellar performance. As he scored 35 points and grabbed 18 rebounds on the night shadowing the Joker’s 41-point effort.

After the game, Jokić expressed his admiration for the Spurs superstar as he said, “I think he’s better this year than last year, and I think he’s going to get even better,” Speaking on his evolution from last year. He further added, “I think he’s a special player. I think he’s one of a kind and is going to be remembered forever.”

Those are big words coming from the three-time MVP himself! Well, Jokic is absolutely correct. The French sensation this season is averaging 25.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Furthermore, he has broken numerous records. Recently, he surpassed Shaquille O’Neal and now ranks second with three games of at least 35 points and 15 rebounds. Only John Drew has more with four. With the trajectory, Wembanyama is on he certainly will be remembered forever if he keeps up at it.