Spurs stunning win over Nuggets shows key to unlocking future dominance

The San Antonio Spurs completed a 23-point comeback victory over the Denver Nuggets and may have found a long-term contributor in the process.
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Sandro Mamukelashvili / Ronald Cortes/GettyImages
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The Spurs sure know how to put on a show when the lights are dimming. The season is just about over but San Antonio decided the party is not quit over yet. The fans were on fire at the Frost Bank Center watching the Silver and Black put on a tour de force in their double-comeback victory against the reigning defending champion, Denver Nuggets 121-120.

There were multiple moving parts in the game that made this feat possible but the most important catalyst was none other than, Victor Wembanyama. He went off for 17 points in the span of three minutes, leading his team with a never-say-die effort, despite there being two games left at a meaningless point of the season. He knocked down three-pointers like Steph Curry and displayed a move reminiscent of Carmelo Anthony in his prime, making sure to gain plenty of style points.

Wembanyama's efforts were imperative. The comeback does not happen without his superhero abilities but like any good superhero, he needed backup. That assistance came in the form of a 6'10 forward from the country of Georgia.

Mamukelashvili may earn a long-term spot on the Spurs

Mamukelashvili, affectionately referred to as Mamu, is earning his stripes. The unfortunate injuries to several key players has opened up the door for what a lot of fans hoped for when the Spurs re-signed Mamu last summer. He finished the game with 21 points and 12 rebounds, contributing more than the stat sheet could show.

His energy was seeping all over the court, playing like he was trying to make a point and he may have been. With the season running out, there is a limited amount of time to make an impact but the 24-year-old forward has done just that. He is a connector, just like Boris Diaw for the Spurs 2014 championship team. He has great energy, he's willing to compete physically, and he understands cutting and passing angles.

San Antonio has another gem under their nose. They should make keeping him and playing him more of a priority. His chemistry with Wembanyama was obvious from their first shared minutes on the floor. Continued time together for two supremely intelligent players will only serve to benefit the Spurs.

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