Spurs vs Nuggets: NBA Cup Showdown

A High-Stakes NBA Cup Faceoff

The San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets clashed on November 28th, 2025, in a crucial NBA Emirates Cup group stage finale. With the winner claiming the top spot in West Group C and advancing to the knockout rounds, the stakes were exceptionally high. Despite being shorthanded due to significant injuries, both teams delivered an intense, high-scoring affair that lived up to the billing.

The Injury Absences Define the Game

Perhaps the most notable storyline for this matchup was the sheer number of key players ruled out:

• San Antonio Spurs: Star rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama (calf strain) was out, alongside standout guard Stephon Castle (hip flexor) and reserve guard Jordan McLaughlin (hamstring). Wembanyama's absence was a major blow to the Spurs' frontline and overall ceiling.
• Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets were also significantly hampered, missing starters Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle), along with Julian Strawther (back injury management). This marked the fourth time in five games Denver played without both Gordon and Braun, impacting their defensive versatility and rebounding.

As Sports Illustrated noted, "The Nuggets can certainly try to take advantage of a Wembanyama-less Spurs to move on to the knockout rounds of the NBA Cup." The Nuggets' defensive struggles over their previous five games (ranking in the bottom six of the NBA) added another layer of intrigue to how they'd fare against a talented, albeit depleted, Spurs roster.

Jokic and Lead the Charge for Denver

Even without key teammates, the Nuggets' engine remained Nikola Jokic. Described by Pounding The Rock as "playing the best basketball of his career to start this season," Jokic's offensive wizardry and court vision continued to make Denver formidable. His presence alone demands constant attention from any opponent.

Complementing Jokic was Jamal Murray, who seemed "refreshed and energized" this season. Murray's ability to score in bursts and knock down threes provided the perfect counterpoint to Jokic's all-around dominance. Keeping Murray in check was identified as a critical first step in any defensive scheme hoping to stifle Denver. The addition of Jonas Valančiūnas (acquired in the Michael Porter Jr. trade) offered some much-needed depth behind Jokic, which was being tested early due to injuries.

Spurs Battle On Without Wembanyama

For the Spurs, navigating life without Wembanyama was the central challenge. Pounding The Rock highlighted that while his absence was significant, San Antonio had "held down the fort," winning 4 of their last 5 games prior to this matchup. This underscored the team's resilience and depth.

The return of rookie guard Dylan Harper from his own calf injury provided a boost. Though he didn't light up the boxscore in his first game back (16 minutes against Portland), his mere presence offered valuable backcourt minutes and playmaking as the Spurs eased him back into the rotation. Devin Vassell emerged as a key offensive leader for the shorthanded Spurs, tasked with carrying a heavier load.

A Thriller in Denver

The game lived up to its high-stakes, shorthanded billing. Despite the injuries, both teams traded blows in a back-and-forth contest. The Nuggets, led by Jokic and Murray, looked to impose their will at home. The Spurs, leaning on Vassell and other contributors, fought to maintain their strong form and secure the crucial group win.

In the end, it was the Spurs who emerged victorious, prevailing in a 139-136 overtime thriller. This win not only secured the top spot in West Group C for the Spurs but also demonstrated their ability to win tough games even without their superstar rookie and other key pieces. The Nuggets, despite the loss, remained a dangerous team led by Jokic, and their resolve will be tested as they navigate their early-season injury woes.

What's Next?

For the Spurs, the win was a significant confidence boost heading into a challenging stretch of road games in early December. They'll continue to rely on their depth and the emergence of players like Vassell until Wembanyama's return.

The Nuggets, meanwhile, face an immediate need to get healthy. The absence of Gordon and Braun has clearly impacted their defense, and regaining that duo will be vital as they aim to climb back towards the top of the Western Conference and make another deep playoff run. The NBA Cup journey continues for both teams, but this game served as a compelling reminder of the talent and resilience present in the NBA, even amidst significant adversity.