Nuggets Edge Spurs in Thrilling Contest
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Frost Bank Center
Denver Nuggets 136, San Antonio Spurs 131, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Denver Nuggets vs San Antonio Spurs?
Denver Nuggets beat San Antonio Spurs 136-131 at Frost Bank Center on March 12, 2026.
Who was favored in Denver Nuggets vs San Antonio Spurs?
San Antonio Spurs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Denver Nuggets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 136-131 at the Frost Bank Center, evening the series at one win apiece. This game was notable not only for its close scoreline but also for the high level of competition displayed by both teams, making it a compelling fixture in the NBA calendar.
The Spurs entered the game with a robust home record of 48-18, having won nine of their last ten games, including a five-game winning streak. They averaged 121.6 points per game while allowing 110.1 points during this stretch. Their recent form was bolstered by a decisive victory over the Boston Celtics just two days prior, where they won 125-116. Conversely, the Nuggets brought a record of 41-26 into the game, with a more modest recent performance of 5-5 in their last ten games. They had just snapped a losing streak with a convincing 129-93 win against the Houston Rockets the day before.
At home, the Spurs had been particularly formidable, boasting a perfect 5-0 record in their last five games, while the Nuggets had struggled somewhat on the road, with a 2-3 record in their last five away games. The previous meetings between these teams this season had also been competitive, with the Nuggets winning the first matchup 139-136 back in November and the Spurs winning the second 113-106 in April.
In terms of injuries, the Spurs were dealing with the absence of Jayden Quaintance due to a knee issue, while David Jones Garcia was listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury. The Nuggets had Aaron Gordon and Trevon Brazile both listed as day-to-day, with Gordon nursing a calf injury and Brazile an undisclosed issue. The impact of these injuries was felt throughout the game, as both teams adjusted their strategies accordingly.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Spurs favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 241.5. The odds reflected the Spurs' strong home performance, but the Nuggets' recent win against the Rockets indicated they were not to be underestimated. The conditions in San Antonio were typical for a late-night game, with a lively crowd supporting the home team, creating an electric atmosphere.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that both teams were well-matched. The scoring plays in the fourth quarter highlighted the intensity of the contest. Key moments included Jamal Murray's clutch free throws and a driving floating jump shot by De'Aaron Fox that kept the game within reach for the Spurs. However, it was Murray's performance down the stretch that ultimately secured the victory for the Nuggets, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Fans watching the game were treated to a showcase of offensive talent, with both teams demonstrating their scoring prowess. The final score reflected the back-and-forth nature of the game, with the Nuggets managing to hold off a late charge from the Spurs. This matchup not only served as a reminder of the competitive spirit within the league but also set the stage for an exciting remainder of the season as both teams vie for playoff positioning.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SA -3.5 | 241.5 o -110 / u -110 | Denver Nuggets +130 · San Antonio Spurs -155 |
Injury report
- David Jones GarciaDay-To-DayAnkleSan Antonio Spurs
- Jayden QuaintanceOutKneeSan Antonio Spurs
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
Leaders
- PointsStephon Castle30San Antonio Spurs
- AssistsStephon Castle10San Antonio Spurs
- ReboundsStephon Castle11San Antonio Spurs
- PointsJamal Murray39Denver Nuggets
- AssistsNikola Jokic12Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsNikola Jokic20Denver Nuggets
Recent form
San Antonio Spurs
Last 10: 9-1Streak W5121.6 scored · 110.1 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W125-116vs Boston CelticsMar 11
- W145-120vs Houston RocketsMar 9
- W116-112vs LA ClippersMar 7
- W121-106vs Detroit PistonsMar 6
- W131-91at Philadelphia 76ersMar 4
- L89-114at New York KnicksMar 1
- W126-110at Brooklyn NetsFeb 27
- W110-107at Toronto RaptorsFeb 26
- W114-103at Detroit PistonsFeb 24
- W139-122vs Sacramento KingsFeb 22
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 5-5Streak W1121.2 scored · 116.1 allowed per game2-3 away
- W129-93vs Houston RocketsMar 12
- L126-129at Oklahoma City ThunderMar 9
- L103-142vs New York KnicksMar 7
- W120-113vs Los Angeles LakersMar 6
- W128-125at Utah JazzMar 3
- L108-117vs Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 1
- L121-127at Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 28
- W103-84vs Boston CelticsFeb 26
- L117-128at Golden State WarriorsFeb 22
- W157-103at Portland Trail BlazersFeb 21
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Denver Nuggets | San Antonio Spurs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 44-88 | 43-95 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 12-36 | 19-47 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 40 |
| Free throws | 36-38 | 26-32 |
| Free throw % | 95 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 47 | 49 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 40 | 37 |
| Assists | 27 | 34 |
| Steals | 8 | 8 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 56 | 42 |
| Fouls | 20 | 25 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 20 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 10 | 90 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter90-103Harrison Barnes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter90-104Harrison Barnes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter92-104Jamal Murray makes 2-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter92-106Carter Bryant makes 1-foot two point shot (Stephon Castle assists)
- 3rd Quarter93-106Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter94-106Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-107Devin Vassell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-107Spencer Jones makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter97-108Stephon Castle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-109Stephon Castle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-109Jamal Murray makes 25-foot three pointer (Spencer Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter102-109Spencer Jones makes 6-foot jumper (Julian Strawther assists)
- 4th Quarter105-109Spencer Jones makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter108-109Julian Strawther makes 25-foot running jump shot (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter108-111De'Aaron Fox makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter108-113De'Aaron Fox makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter110-113Bruce Brown makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter112-113Spencer Jones makes layup (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter112-116Harrison Barnes makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dylan Harper assists)
- 4th Quarter114-116Cameron Johnson makes 2-foot two point shot (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter114-119Dylan Harper makes 23-foot three point jumper (De'Aaron Fox assists)
- 4th Quarter115-119Cameron Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-119Cameron Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-119Spencer Jones makes layup (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter121-119Jamal Murray makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter123-119Jamal Murray makes 1-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter125-119Jamal Murray makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter128-119Cameron Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter128-122De'Aaron Fox makes 25-foot three point jumper (Stephon Castle assists)
- 4th Quarter130-122Cameron Johnson makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Spencer Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter130-125Stephon Castle makes 26-foot three point jumper (Devin Vassell assists)
- 4th Quarter130-126Harrison Barnes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter130-127Harrison Barnes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter132-127Jamal Murray makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter132-129De'Aaron Fox makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Stephon Castle assists)
- 4th Quarter133-129Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter134-129Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter134-131Harrison Barnes makes 3-foot reverse layup
- 4th Quarter135-131Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter136-131Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours San Antonio Spurs, below favours Denver Nuggets.
Venue
- Frost Bank CenterSan Antonio, TX
- Attendance19038
- OfficialsJosh Tiven, John Butler, Jenna Reneau
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