Nikola Jokic and star rookie Victor Wembanyama last squared off in late November.
Setting the stage this week, the present and the future clash when two-time MVP Nikola Jokic faces off Friday against rookie Victor Wembanyama for the second time as San Antonio hosts Denver in Austin for the I-35 Series.
This matchup holds a level of intrigue given what transpired between the big men back in November, but let’s also not ignore the rapid pace at which Wembanyama has grown since then. The No. 1 overall pick scored 22 points with 11 rebounds, six steals and four blocks in a 132-120 loss on Nov. 26 to Jokic and the Nuggets.
The reigning Finals MVP racked up 39 points and 11 rebounds in that outing, finishing an assist shy of a triple-double.
Wembanyama averaged 20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.9 blocks in November, shooting 43.3% from the field and 27.3% from 3-point range. Since then, the rookie’s scoring has held steady at 20.3 points per game throughout March.
But the rebounds (11.8), assists (4.5) and blocks (4.3) rose over that span, as field goal percentage (46.9%) and 3-point field goal percentage (40%) improved.
One stat to know: 787-586 — Those numbers are Jokic’s current rebounds and assists totals. The 787 rebounds are more than what he amassed in his first MVP season (2020-21) and his current assist totals represent more dimes than he dished during his second MVP season (2021-22).
Remember: the Nuggets still have 16 games remaining.
What they’re saying: “Facing Jokic of course is a very, very interesting matchup. It’s somebody I learned a lot from just watching him. So, playing against him again, I think is gonna teach me a lot.” – Wembanyama on his expectations for Friday’s matchup against Jokic.
Keep track of how our MVP rankings continue to evolve throughout the season.
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Last week’s ranking: No. 1
Season stats: 26 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 9.2 apg
His case: The defending champions fell right back into their dominating ways coming out of the All-Star break, winning 10 of 11 games heading into Friday’s game vs. the Spurs. Over that span, the two-time MVP has averaged a 25-point triple-double while shooting 60.5% from the field.
The efficient Jokic took few shots in Wednesday’s win at Miami. The matchup with the Spurs marks the first of three straight road games against Western Conference opponents.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Last week’s ranking: No. 2
Season stats: 31.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 6.4 apg
His case: Gilgeous-Alexander produced his 12th showing with 30-plus points in his last 14 outings and his 49th 30-point gem this season as Oklahoma City moved back into pole position in the West. The 25-year-old carved up the Mavericks on Thursday for 31 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals.
OKC has won 10 of its last 11 home games, but it hits the road Saturday for a matchup against the struggling Memphis Grizzlies.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Last week’s ranking: No. 3
Season stats: 30.8 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 6.4 apg
His case: Milwaukee dropped three of its previous four before Thursday’s 114-105 win over the Sixers, a game in which Antetokounmpo scored 13 of his 32 points in the final frame. The performance gave the two-time MVP his fourth-straight game with 30-plus points.
Antetokounmpo has an NBA-leading 31 games this season with 30-plus points and 10-plus rebounds. The Bucks moved back into second in the East, but face tough tests up next against Phoenix and Boston.
4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Last week’s ranking: No. 5
Season stats: 34.3 ppg, 9 rpg, 9.8 apg
His case: Although Dallas remains eighth in the West, the Mavericks captured four straight victories before Thursday’s loss to Oklahoma City with Doncic lighting up the scoreboard for triple-doubles in three of those four outings.
He strung together seven consecutive triple-doubles before Wednesday’s win over Golden State. A hamstring injury sidelined the 25-year-old for the loss Thursday in Oklahoma City. The MRI on that left hamstring came back clean, but he’ll be re-evaluated over the weekend.
5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Last week’s ranking: No. 4
Season stats: 27 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 4.9 apg
His case: Tatum helped Boston become the first team to clinch a playoff spot with a 26-point performance Thursday in a win over Phoenix, giving the Celtics their eighth-straight win at home. Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 63 points on 59% shooting as Boston moved to a league-best 30-3 at TD Garden.
When Tatum scores, the Celtics win. Boston owns a record of 19-4 when the 26-year-old racks up 30-plus points.
The next five
6. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings (Last week’s ranking: No. 6)
7. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers (Last week’s ranking: No. 7)
8. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns (Last week’s ranking: No. 9)
9. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers (Last week’s ranking: No. 8)
10. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns (Last week’s ranking: not ranked)
And five more (listed alphabetically): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves; Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves; Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers; LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
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Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.
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