The Denver Nuggets simply can’t overlook their first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, that’s not to say that fans and analysts aren’t already doing that for them.
With the Nuggets being one of the hottest teams while closing out the 2025-2026 NBA regular season, the masses expect Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets to make a deep run.
If the Nuggets intend to get to the Western Conference Finals, they would have to potentially face the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs. A Jokic versus Victor Wembanyama playoff series would certainly give basketball fans a show.
In Iman Shumpert’s eyes, the potential Jokic-Wembanyama battle could favor the Nuggets, due to what Jokic is able to do on the floor. The former New York Knicks standout believes Jokic could soften up Wembanyama with his game.
Iman Shumpert Analyzes A Potential Matchup
GettySAN ANTONIO, TX -MARCH 12: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs greets Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets at the end of the game at Frost Bank Center on March 12, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
âI think that Jokic can make Victor Wembanyama unaggressive in ways. We saw that in their couple of matchups this year,” Shumpert said on ESPN.
“He doesnât stray away from Wemby. We watched a lot of people come up with an array of moves, we watched a lot of different finishes that we havenât normally seen them do in a game on a higher floater, it seems like. I think Jokic did a great job of making sure he got into his body, making sure he neutralized him at the rim, and was able to do finishes that weâve seen Jokic doâbut he didnât adjust his game. He kind of went at him. When you do that, you kind of control the tempo and control a guy saying I donât want to foul right here, I want to stay in the game. That makes his unagressive.â
Since 2023, Jokic and Wembanyama have faced each other seven times.
Despite Wembanyama being one of the top defenders in the NBA, Jokic hasn’t sweat it much. The star center averaged 37.3 points per game in matchups against Wembanyama. His last three showings against the Spurs included 40-plus points in each game.
GettyNikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets shoots against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Ball Arena on April 4, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
When you factor in the idea that Wembanyama lacks postseason experience, that gives Jokic an extra boost of confidence. The postseason is a different game, and Jokic is a seasoned vet with proven championship experience.
There’s no guarantee that the two dynamic centers will meet in a few weeks, but if they do, Shumpert is confident that Wembanyama will have his hands full defensively.
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