By Tom Orsborn, Staff writer | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2025-01-05 00:13:51
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
1月4日星期六，在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的NBA比赛下半场，圣安东尼奥马刺队前锋维克多·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)试图封盖丹佛掘金队中锋尼古拉·约基奇(Nikola Jokic)的投篮。丹佛在加时赛中以122-111击败了马刺。
丹佛掘金队主教练迈克尔·马龙(Michael Malone)承认，在周五晚上马刺队以113-110战胜掘金队的比赛中，维克多·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)在“高空之城”丹佛防守尼古拉·约基奇(Nikola Jokic)“非常出色”。
“另一方面，我认为尼古拉错失了很多我们已经习惯他命中的投篮，”马龙在周六圣安东尼奥的复赛前说道。“我已经和他谈过这件事了，我想他今晚会很兴奋地上场。”
这一点很明显，尤其是在加时赛中。约基奇在加时赛中得到了他46分中的9分，掘金队以14-3赢得了加时赛，最终以122-111的比分给文班亚马的21岁生日蒙上了一层阴影。
文班亚马得到20分和职业生涯最高的23个篮板——全部来自防守篮板——成为NBA历史上第十位在生日当天取得“20+20”数据的球员，也是自2017年德怀特·霍华德(Dwight Howard)以来的第一位。
“从看到我进来就说‘生日快乐’的厨师，到热身时轻声唱歌的球迷，每个人都对我很好，这感觉真的很好，”文班亚马说。“每个人都心情很好，这也让我心情很好。”
但在加时赛中，情况发生了变化。
当约基奇在加时赛中接管比赛时，文班亚马却未能得分。马刺队在加时赛中9投8铁，文班亚马两次三分出手均未命中。
“我本应该做得更好，更果断地接球，”文班亚马说。
维克多·文班亚马谈导致输给掘金的比赛后期挣扎 pic.twitter.com/dbnLJHay7A
— Nick Talbot (@ NicholasRTalbot) 2025年1月5日
与此同时，约基奇弥补了他在丹佛比赛决胜时刻的失误，在加时赛中5投4中。整场比赛他35投19中，而在周五晚上的比赛中他35投15中得到41分。
马刺队代理主教练米奇·约翰逊(Mitch Johnson)表示，对约基奇的整体防守有时“有点犹豫不决”，这让马刺“在他有多种选择或多种进攻方式时任由他摆布”。
但最终，约翰逊说，失利归结于马刺队在第四节和加时赛的进攻端挣扎，掘金队以41-19的比分超过了主队。
“今晚我可能对我们的进攻更失望，尤其是在第四节，感觉我们有点停滞不前，”约翰逊说。
小迈克尔·波特(Michael Porter Jr.)为丹佛得到28分，掘金队的总战绩提高到20胜14负，背靠背第二场比赛7胜0负，加时赛4胜0负。
哈里森·巴恩斯(Harrison Barnes)以8投4中的三分球支持文班亚马，得到22分，马刺的加时赛战绩为1胜1负。
杰里米·索汉(Jeremy Sochan)在因腰部酸痛缺席周五的比赛后回到了马刺队的首发阵容。他在26分钟内得到5分和8个篮板。
以下是马刺队战绩跌至18胜17负（主场12胜9负）后的三点总结：
克里斯·保罗(Chris Paul)让马刺队和他自己都承担责任
可以说，马刺队在掘金队的主场击败丹佛，然后在第二天晚上的加时赛中输给他们，应该感到高兴。
但克里斯·保罗(Chris Paul)并不喜欢精神胜利。
“我们让这场胜利溜走了，尤其是在主场，”保罗说。
保罗还在自己9投1中，包括三分球3投0中，只得到2分和8次助攻后进行了自我反省。
“我得找到我的进攻，”他说。“我今晚投不进球……我得更多地关注篮筐。”
球队的另一位30多岁的老将也承担了责任。
“我错失了那两个上篮（在加时赛中），这肯定会对我们有所帮助，”哈里森·巴恩斯说，他14投8中得到22分。“我的防守也可以做得更好。显然，约基奇会制造一些困难的对位，但我本可以更好地限制其他一些球员。”
保罗也指出了防守问题。
“在比赛的最后三分钟，我们必须及时阻止对手，”他说。“你必须能够得分，阻止对手，再次得分，阻止对手，这样比赛就结束了。”
马刺队主教练米奇·约翰逊谈输给掘金的比赛 pic.twitter.com/eD4QYYdvwN
— Nick Talbot (@ NicholasRTalbot) 2025年1月5日
与约基奇的每一场比赛对文班亚马来说都是一次学习
文班亚马最好的生日礼物之一就是再次与约基奇交手。
“小丑”可以说是世界上最好的球员，文班亚马有一天也可能获得这个称号。
“很多东西，”当被问到他从约基奇身上学到了什么时，文班亚马说。“我学到了很多关于他如何让队友变得更好的东西，以及我应该如何防守他。我会再看一遍这些比赛，我相信我们会注意到一些东西。”
特雷·琼斯(Tre Jones)看起来已经恢复了全部实力
在因脚踝和肩膀受伤缺席18场比赛后，特雷·琼斯(Tre Jones)终于看起来恢复了100%的状态。
替补出场18分钟，他强势攻击篮筐，6投4中得到9分，这是他自上个月因肩伤缺席6场比赛复出后一直没能做到的事情。
他还送出了6次助攻，并命中了一个罕见的三分球。
“特雷一直很棒，”巴恩斯说。“他能够了解其他球队，其他控球后卫，施加压力，然后在进攻端，他给了我们另一个能够进入油漆区，能够找到队友并为我们创造额外机会的持球手。他在这方面做得很好。”
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) grabs a rebound over Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) is fouled by Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (8) during the second half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) defends Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) during the second half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks a ball during the second half of their NBA game with the Denver Nuggets at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
The Spurs Coyote shoots a t-shirt into the crowd during the second half of their NBA game with the Denver Nuggets at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) tries to block a shot by Denver Nuggets center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the second half of their NBA game with the Denver Nuggets at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) shakes hands with guard Stephon Castle (5) after making a basket during the second half of their NBA game with the Denver Nuggets at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) defends Denver Nuggets center Nkola Jokic (15) during the second half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Jokic led all scorers with 46 points to help Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1)blocks a shot by Denver Nuggets center Nkola Jokic (15) during the second half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) dunks the ball on Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) during the first half of their NBA game with the Denver Nuggets at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) throws an overhead pass during the first half of their NBA game with the Denver Nuggets at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
Denver Nuggets center Nkola Jokic (15) defends San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks a ball during the first half of their NBA game with the Denver Nuggets at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Wembanyama scored 20 points with 23 rebounds and 4 blocks though the Spurs fell to Denver 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) looks for a way past Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) during the first half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) tries to shoot over Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) during the first half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) pulls up for a shot over Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) during the first half of their NBA game with the Denver Nuggets at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) defends Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) during the first half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs center Zach Collins (23) shoots a layup past Denver Nuggets center Nkola Jokic (15) during the first half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) passes the ball during the first half of their NBA game with the Denver Nuggets at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) rallies the Spurs in their pre-game huddle prior to the start of their NBA game with the Denver Nuggets at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
A young Spurs fans dances during a time out in the second half of the Spurs NBA game with the Denver Nuggets at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
点击查看原文：3 takeaways as Wembanyama, Spurs lose in OT on his 21st birthda
3 takeaways as Wembanyama, Spurs lose in OT on his 21st birthda
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) tries to block a shot by Denver Nuggets center Nkola Jokic (15) during the second half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Antonio. Denver beat the Spurs 122-111 in overtime.
Denver coach Michael Malone conceded that Victor Wembanyama guarded Nikola Jokic “very well” in the Spurs’ 113-110 win over the Nuggets on Friday night in the Mile High City.
“On the other hand, I do think Nikola missed a bunch of shots we’ve become accustomed to him making,” Malone said before Saturday’s rematch in San Antonio. “I spoke to him about that and I think he’s excited to go out there tonight.”
That was evident, especially in overtime. Jokic scored nine of his 46 points in OT, which the Nuggets won 14-3, as Denver claimed a 122-111 win that put a damper on Wembanyama’s 21st birthday.
Wembanyama had 20 points and a career-high 23 rebounds – all on the defensive end – to become just the 10th player in NBA history to have a 20/20 game on his birthday and the first since Dwight Howard in 2017.
“It feels good for sure to have everybody being kind, from the chef who saw me coming in and saying, ‘happy birthday,’ to the fans singing a little bit during warmups,” Wembanyama said. “Everybody is in a good mood, so it makes me in a good mood.”
Things changed for him in OT.
While Jokic took over in the extra session, Wembanyama failed to score. The Spurs missed 8 of 9 from the field in OT, with Wembanyama going 0 for 2 on a pair of attempts from 3-point range.
“I should have done a better job of being more assertive and catching the ball,” Wembanyama said.
Victor Wembanyama on the late struggles that led to the loss to the Nuggets pic.twitter.com/dbnLJHay7A
— Nick Talbot (@ NicholasRTalbot) January 5, 2025
Jokic, meanwhile, atoned for his game-deciding turnover in Denver by hitting 4 for 5 from the floor in OT. For the game, he sank 19 of 35 from the field after scoring 41 points on 15 for 35 on Friday night.
Acting Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said the overall defensive effort against Jokic was a “little indecisive” at times, leaving the Spurs “at his mercy when he had multiple options or things to choose off the menu.”
But ultimately, Johnson said, the loss came down to the Spurs’ struggles on the offensive end in the fourth quarter and OT when the Nuggets outscored the home team by 41-19.
“I was probably more disappointed tonight in our offense, especially in the fourth quarter, just felt like we got a little stagnant in mud,” Johnson said.
Michael Porter Jr. had 28 points for Denver, which improved to 20-14 overall, 7-0 in the second game of back to backs and 4-0 in OT.
Harrison Barnes supported Wembanyama with 22 points on the strength of 4 for 8 from distance as the Spurs fell to 1-1 in OT.
Jeremy Sochan returned to the Spurs’ starting lineup after missing Friday’s game with a sore lower back. He finished with five points and eight rebounds in 26 minutes.
Here are three takeaways after the Spurs dropped to 18-17, including 12-9 at home:
Chris Paul held the Spurs and himself accountable
A case can be made that the Spurs should be thrilled after beating Denver on the Nuggets’ homecourt before losing to them in OT the next night.
But Chris Paul isn’t into moral victories.
“We let this one get away, especially at home,” Paul said.
Paul also took himself to task after he scored just two points on 1 for 9 from the field, including 0 for 3 from distance to go along with eight assists.
“I got to find my offense,” he said. “I couldn’t make a shot tonight. … I got to look at the rim more.”
The team’s other 30-something veteran also held himself accountable.
“I missed those two layups (in OT), which would’ve definitely helped us,” said Harrison Barnes, who finished with 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting. “I also could have been better defensively. Obviously, Jokic is going to create some difficult matchups, but I could have done a better job of limiting some of those other guys.”
Paul also pointed to the defense.
“We’ve got to get timely stops in the last three minutes of the game,” he said. “You got to be able to score, get a stop, score again, get a stop, and that’s game over.”
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson on the Loss to the Nuggets pic.twitter.com/eD4QYYdvwN
— Nick Talbot (@ NicholasRTalbot) January 5, 2025
Every game against Jokic is an education for Wembanayama
One of the best birthday gifts for Wembanayama was getting to play against Jokic again.
“The Joker” is arguably the world’s best player, a title Wembanyama may someday hold.
“A lot of things,” Wembanyama said when asked what he learned from Jokic. “I learned a lot of things about how he makes his teammate better, but also how I should guard him. And I watch these games again, and I’m sure we’ll notice some stuff.”
Jones looks to be back at full strength
After missing 18 games due to ankle and shoulder injuries, Jones finally appears to be operating at 100%.
Logging 18 minutes off the bench, he attacked the basket strong en route to nine points on 4-for-6 shooting, something he hasn’t been able to do much since returning from the shoulder injury that forced him to miss six games last month.
He also dished out six assists and hit a rare 3-pointer.
“Tre has been great,” Barnes said. “His ability to pick up the other team, the other point guard, apply pressure and then offensively he gives us another ball handler who’s able to get to the paint, able to find guys and get extra plays for us. He’s been great in that regard.”
By Tom Orsborn, Staff writer, via San Antonio Express-News
