Nuggets erase 20-point deficit to beat Spurs 136-131 as Wembanyama sits out Thursday

Denver outlasts San Antonio in high-scoring road win

The Denver Nuggets rallied from a 20-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 136-131 at Frost Bank Center on Thursday, March 12, 2026, tightening a Western Conference matchup between two teams positioned near the top of the standings.

San Antonio controlled much of the night, leading for the vast majority of game time and building its largest advantage to 20 points. Denver, however, flipped the game late behind an explosive second half, outscoring the Spurs 42-25 in the fourth quarter after trailing 106-94 entering the final period.

Key performances: Murray and Jokic lead Denver surge

Denver’s comeback was powered by Jamal Murray’s 39 points, highlighted by a perfect 15-for-15 night at the free-throw line. Nikola Jokic added a triple-double with 31 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists, giving Denver a consistent scoring and playmaking hub as the Spurs attempted to protect their lead.

The teams combined for 267 points in a game defined by pace, transition opportunities and frequent trips to the foul line. Denver shot 50% from the field (44-of-88) and made 36 of 38 free throws. San Antonio finished at 45% shooting (43-of-95), hit 19 three-pointers, and went 26-of-32 at the line. Both teams committed 10 turnovers, while San Antonio held a slim 49-47 edge on the boards.

Spurs’ offense produces, but late defense doesn’t hold

San Antonio received a triple-double from Stephon Castle (30 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists), along with 27 points and nine assists from De’Aaron Fox. The Spurs scored 106 points through three quarters and reached 131 overall, typically enough to win in the modern NBA.

But Denver’s late efficiency proved decisive. The Nuggets’ fourth-quarter surge was built on scoring at the rim, timely perimeter makes, and sustained pressure that put San Antonio into repeated defensive rotations and foul situations.

Notable context: Wembanyama unavailable

San Antonio played without Victor Wembanyama, a major factor in the Spurs’ defensive identity and late-game lineup options. His absence altered the interior matchup and forced adjustments in rim protection and rebounding responsibilities, particularly as Denver pushed the pace and attacked downhill in the closing stretch.

By the numbers

• Final score: Nuggets 136, Spurs 131
• Quarter scoring: Denver 25-28-41-42; San Antonio 37-32-37-25
• Largest leads: San Antonio 20; Denver 9
• Free throws: Denver 36-of-38 (95%); San Antonio 26-of-32 (81%)

With the regular season moving toward its final stretch, the result underscored both Denver’s late-game shot creation and San Antonio’s need to close out high-leverage possessions against elite opponents.