Nikola Jokić delivered a dominant performance to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 136-134 overtime win over the San Antonio Spurs, ending their 11-game winning streak.
Jokić scored a game-high 40 points and outshone fellow MVP contender Victor Wembanyama in a thrilling contest.
MVP contenders go head-to-head
Three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Jokić guided Denver to their eighth consecutive victory with a standout display.
Wembanyama led the Spurs with 34 points but could not prevent his side from losing after they surrendered a 107-96 lead in the fourth quarter.
The game featured two of the leading candidates for the NBA Most Valuable Player Award this season.
Mutual respect after contest
After the match, Jokić praised the young French star, saying he believes Wembanyama could become one of the most unique players the sport has seen.
Wembanyama described the match as one of the most enjoyable games he has played, despite the disappointment of the defeat.
Play-off picture
Both teams have already secured spots in the NBA Playoffs, which begin on 18 April.
San Antonio are guaranteed a top-two seed in the Western Conference, currently trailing defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder.
Meanwhile, Denver are still battling to secure their final position within the conference’s top six.
MVP race developments
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains in contention for back-to-back MVP awards.
However, Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers may fall out of the race after being ruled out for the remainder of the regular season with a hamstring injury.
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