Jokic says Wembanyama will be "remembered forever" following epic battle

The highest form of respect a professional can receive is a compliment from another elite professional in the same field. It's fine to get the respect and adulation of observers, but when one of the greatest of all time at your craft tells you that you're doing a great job, it means much more.

OKC star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander expressed this sentiment recently when Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards complimented SGA's game in a media interview. As much as Victor Wembanyama respects the game, it's hard to believe he wouldn't feel the same way.

I'm not sure exactly where I would place Nikola Jokic on an all-time list, but he's certainly in the top 50, and his words about Wemby after part one of their two-night battle are worth a listen.

Wembanyama has a knack for rising to the challenge

Every Victor Wembanyama versus Nikola Jokic game is box office, and this one left the former MVP with nothing but good things to say about the Alien. Game recognizes game, and Victor has developed a reputation for showing up in big moments. The Spurs haven't always won in those moments, but it's usually not because of the sophomore's production.

Spurs fans will remember his first games against Giannis and Joel Embiid; you'll remember how he played against Kevin Durant and Steph Curry. He stepped up on Christmas Day in Madison Square Garden, and the last two times he's played the Joker, he's averaged 34.5 points, 15 rebounds, 4.5 assists, one steal, and two blocks.

This kid loves to line up against the best and show them that he's either on their level, on their tail, or racing past them like Steve Rogers in Captain America: Winter Soldier.

The best part is that he's consistently learning how to bring his A-game. Wemby has scored 25 or more points in eight of his last ten games and 30 or more in five of those eight. We can no longer refer to what he's doing as a "stretch." This is just who Wembanyama is.

Like last season, he's raising his level of play as the season progresses, and that's great news for a Spurs team that's getting sharper around him. They're raising their level of play together, turning games that would have been impossible to win last season into clear-cut victories, and the man from France is leading the charge.

He's not afraid of the moment, and the Spurs are going to be very good for a long time because of it. It's a good thing, too, because he'll have to do it again tonight. Part two of this thriller takes place at 7:00 pm CT at the Frost Bank Center.