San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich expressed immense pride in his players after their victory over the Denver Nuggets, urging them to celebrate together with a beer as a reward for their hard work. The stunning 121-120 win on April 12, led by Victor Wembanyama’s impressive 34-point performance, disrupted the race for the top seeding in the Western Conference.

Despite being part of a struggling Spurs team, the French rookie showcased his talent once again with a stellar performance, tallying 34 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. Popovich praised the team’s resilience, particularly in overcoming a 23-point deficit early in the third quarter.

Popovich emphasized the collective effort of the team, highlighting the contributions of everyone involved in the victory. He encouraged them to celebrate their achievement by grabbing a beer or a Coke together.

On the other hand, the Nuggets, led by Jamal Murray’s 35 points and Nikola Jokic’s 22 points, were left disappointed by the loss, which jeopardized their chances of clinching the top seeding in the West.

The defeat against the bottom-ranked Spurs, with a record of 21-60, complicated the Nuggets’ quest for the top spot, with the race now wide open among Denver, Oklahoma City, and Minnesota, all tied with a 56-25 record. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid led the Philadelphia 76ers to a crucial 125-113 victory over the Orlando Magic, keeping their hopes alive for an automatic playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

The Sixers have won seven consecutive games, coinciding with Embiid’s return from a two-month injury layoff.In Cleveland, the Cavaliers secured their postseason berth with a 129-120 win over the Indiana Pacers, propelled by a strong first-half performance and standout performances from Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen.