With a season-high 39 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists, Nikola Jokic helped the Nuggets defeat San Antonio 132-120 on Sunday night, spoiling Victor Wembanyama’s Denver debut and condemning the Spurs to their 12th consecutive defeat.

Nikola Jokic dominates the San Antonio Spurs, as the Denver Nuggets suffer their 12th straight loss. Sports Illustrated Inside The Spurs, Analysis and More

On Sunday night, the Denver Nuggets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 132-120 at Ball Arena thanks to a 39-point effort from two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. The defending champs were simply too strong for the newest squad in the NBA.

Spurs’ losing streak reaches 12 points thanks to Nikola Jokic (39 points) | Reuters

The first pick in the June draft, Wembanyama, finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and six steals, but he was unable to stop San Antonio’s losing run. This is the third longest losing streak in the team’s history. The Spurs lost 16 games in a row during the 1988–89 season and the one before.

Jokic nearly triple-doubles as the Nuggets defeat the Spurs 132-120.

Denver’s home record rose to 8-0 thanks to 20 points from Reggie Jackson and 25 from Michael Porter Jr. During their previous road trip, the Nuggets had lost four out of five games, including a Friday night loss to Houston that eliminated them from the NBA In-Season Tournament.

Aaron Gordon, a forward with the Nuggets, missed all 12 of his field goal tries in the game against the Rockets due to a right heel strain that was causing him discomfort. Gordon was replaced by Justin Holiday, who earned his first start of the year.

Following the 1-4 road trip, Denver coach Michael Malone announced he will reorganize his starting lineup, which would entail DeAndre Jordan starting in place of Jokic. In the first half, the veteran scored six points, pulled down five rebounds, and made all three of his field goals.

Before San Antonio recovered to draw within 12 points at halftime, the Nuggets led by four points at the end of the first quarter and by 68-48 late in the second. Denver outscored the Spurs 33-17 the remainder of the third quarter to take a 23-point lead into the fourth. The Spurs started the fourth on a 7-2 run.

In the second half, Wembanyama flew to the hoop and was fouled by Julian Strawther, preventing a highlight-dunk.

Outside of Jokic, Reggie Jackson (20 points, six rebounds, and seven assists) had the most effect for the Nuggets despite double-digit scoring efforts from Michael Porter Jr. (25 points, seven rebounds) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (16 points, six assists).