Spurs Show Fight Without Victor Wembanyama but Fall to Nuggets Late

The San Antonio Spurs entered Thursday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets without their most important player, as rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama was sidelined due to right ankle soreness. His absence created a significant challenge for San Antonio against one of the Western Conference’s top contenders.

Even without their franchise cornerstone, the Spurs controlled much of the game. For long stretches, they outplayed Denver and built a lead that suggested an upset could be within reach.

However, maintaining that advantage proved difficult as the game progressed. Denver found another level late in the contest, turning a close game into a comeback victory as the Nuggets pulled away in the fourth quarter.

By the final buzzer, the Spurs were left with a 136–131 defeat—one that demonstrated both their competitive potential and the critical importance of Wembanyama to the team’s overall success.

1. Wembanyama’s Absence Raises Questions

Wembanyama’s absence immediately became the central storyline surrounding the game. The highly touted French star has been the focal point of San Antonio’s rebuilding efforts and remains the team’s most impactful player on both ends of the court. According to the team, Wembanyama was held out because of soreness in his right ankle. While the issue does not appear to be severe, the Spurs chose to prioritize caution with their young star rather than risk aggravating the injury. Head coach Mitch Johnson addressed the situation following the game, explaining that the team hopes Wembanyama will return soon but cannot guarantee his availability for their upcoming matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. The encouraging news is that the injury is not expected to become a long-term concern. Still, even a brief absence highlights how vital Wembanyama is to the Spurs’ ambitions this season.

2. Spurs Stars Step Up in His Place

Despite missing their centerpiece, San Antonio received impressive performances from several key players. Rookie guard Stephon Castle delivered one of the most remarkable games of his young career. Castle finished with a triple-double, recording 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists while orchestrating much of the Spurs’ offense. His all-around production helped keep San Antonio in control for large portions of the night. Veteran contributors also played significant roles in supporting the effort. Guard De’Aaron Fox added 27 points, bringing scoring stability to the backcourt. Meanwhile, forward Harrison Barnes chipped in with 20 points, providing efficient scoring and veteran leadership as the Spurs attempted to close out the game.

3. Denver’s Late Surge Proves Decisive

While San Antonio’s offense performed well, containing Denver’s attack without Wembanyama proved to be an enormous challenge. The Nuggets are widely regarded as one of the league’s most potent offensive teams. As the game entered the fourth quarter, Denver’s offense began to heat up. The Nuggets found their rhythm, hitting key shots and steadily erasing the deficit that San Antonio had built earlier. Without Wembanyama’s rim protection and defensive presence, the Spurs struggled to slow Denver’s momentum. What had been a promising night gradually slipped away as the Nuggets seized control in the closing minutes. In the end, the Spurs’ strong effort was not enough to overcome Denver’s late surge. Still, the performance demonstrated the depth and competitiveness of San Antonio’s roster even when its biggest star is unavailable.