Nuggets, Spurs Edge Past Rivals Despite Absent Stars

Tuesdays matchup in the Emirates NBA Cup Group Play was marked by uncertainty as two perennial contenders, the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs, took to the court without their star players. For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokič was sidelines as he attended to a personal matter, while for the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama's knee injury kept him off the floor.

In spite of these absentees, both teams delivered impressive victories. Russell Westbrook made history with his 200th career triple-double and first of the season for the Nuggets, anchoring the team's comeback victory over their arch-rivals Oklahoma City Thunder (28-24). The veteran point guard accumulated 12 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench.

Chris Paul's stellar performance for the Spurs earned them a hard-fought win. Despite Wembanyama's absence, Paul proved instrumental, posting 14 points and an impressive 11 assists to secure the victory (26-25). This impressive display has taken his assist average from last season with the Warriors to an all-time high of 8.5 in his first year with the Spurs, tying him with Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton.

Both Westbrook and Paul proved their mettle as veteran leaders, exemplifying the tenacious will of their teams despite injuries. The performances suggest that both franchises are navigating a pivotal period of transition - from stalwarts to new heroes - but on Tuesday night at least, experience mattered in Emirates NBA Cup Group Play.