BBNBA: Keldon Johnson records double-double in clash between Giannis and Wemby

In a game that was trending across social media due to the level of stardom it featured, the San Antonio Spurs came up short against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night by a final score of 125-121.

The victorious Bucks were led by (who else?) Giannis Antetokounmpo as he put up 44 points, 14 boards, and seven assists on the stat sheet. Then, for the Spurs, rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama had 27 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks in just 26 minutes as his team fell to 5-29 on the season.

However, Wemby wasn’t the only Spur who had an exceptional game despite the loss.

Former All-SEC selection and Kentucky Wildcat Keldon Johnson had himself a solid night in the Frost Bank Center. Johnson scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to get himself his seventh double-double of the 2023-24 season. The small forward has also scored in double figures in 22 of his last 23 games. At Kentucky, it was evident that Johnson was a talented player who could make it in the NBA, and his success is something that the Spurs will need to continue to see as they try to get back to championship aspirations with their young core.

While Johnson clearly wasn’t the biggest attraction on the floor, he made sure to make his presence known as he threw down this sick baseline jam.

JUST FILTHY 😤 pic.twitter.com/T2LrC1ig0E

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 5, 2024

Jamal Murray scores 25, Nuggets get buzzer-beater win over Warriors

Before Nikola Jokic heaved in the game-winner from nearly halfcourt, the Denver Nuggets had to claw back to get into a position where they could have a chance to win. Thanks to Jamal Murray, that happened.

The former Kentucky phenom scored 25 points and dished out six assists to help the Nuggets steal a 130-127 win over the Golden State Warriors on the road. Just like he was at Kentucky, Murray was clutch down the stretch as he made tough shot after tough shot to erase the Golden State lead. Despite the fact that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined for 54 points, Murray and the Nuggets were able to escape the Bay Area with a W.

TOUGH pic.twitter.com/26Dquzt89R

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 5, 2024

If the Nuggets want to repeat as NBA champions, then they will need Murray to keep coming through when he is needed the most. If he can stay healthy as he continues to do his thing, then the Nuggets will be in prime position to capture just the second title in franchise history.

1/4/23 Statistics:

Player	Score	PTS	FG (3PT)	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	+/-	MIN
Jamal Murray (DEN)	130-127 W @ GSW	25	8-16 (1-6)	2	6	2	0	0	9	32
Keldon Johnson (SAS)	125-121 L vs MIL	14	5-17 (2-8)	10	1	0	0	1	7	30
Chris Livingston (MIL)	125-121 W @ SAS	DNP – Coach’s Decision	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
TyTy Washington Jr. (MIL)	125-121 W @ SAS	DNP – G-League	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–

Tonight in the NBA:

• 7:00 ET | Hawks @ Pacers (Jackson, Tshiebwe: 2Way)
• 7:00 ET | Jazz (Juzang: 2Way) @ Celtics
• 7:30 ET | Wizards @ Cavaliers
• 7:30 ET | Thunder (Gilgeous-Alexander, Sarr: 2Way, Wallace) @ Nets
• 7:30 ET (ESPN) | Knicks (Randle, Toppin: 2Way) @ 76ers (Maxey)
• 8:00 ET | Clippers (Boston Jr.) @ Pelicans
• 8:00 ET | Hornets (Richards, Washington) @ Bulls
• 8:00 ET | Timberwolves (Towns) @ Rockets
• 8:30 ET | Trail Blazers (Sharpe) @ Mavericks
• 9:00 ET | Magic @ Nuggets (Murray)
• 9:00 ET | Heat (Adebayo, Herro) @ Suns (Booker)
• 10:00 ET (ESPN) | Grizzlies @ Lakers (Davis: probable, Vanderbilt)
• 10:00 ET | Pistons (Knox) @ Warriors
• 10:00 ET | Raptors (Quickley) @ Kings (Fox, Monk, Lyles)