The Denver Nuggets entered yesterday's slate of games atop the Western Conference in sole possession of the No. 1 seed. All they had to do to maintain that spot was win consecutive games against two of the three bottom seeds in the conference. However, former Kansas basketball star Devonte' Graham threw a wrench in that plan.
San Antonio entered the fourth quarter trailing by 13 points, but a late-game comeback brought them within one point. After MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic missed a jump shot, the Spurs pushed the pace and gave the ball to Graham, who pierced the hearts of Nuggets fans everywhere with a dagger.
LET'S GOOOOO 🥶 https://t.co/rh56azXQVm pic.twitter.com/fvWsGpFIsn
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 13, 2024
Devonte' Graham's game-winning shot propels Spurs to huge win
Graham entered the final quarter with just three points, but he scored eight of San Antonio's final 11. He connected on a free throw, a 3-pointer, and a layup before hitting the game-winning shot. His final line included 11 points and five assists on 4-for-11 shooting, though he hit his last three attempts.
Jayhawk fans have known for quite a while that "D-Tae" is a clutch player. He is a player who is at his best during big moments. Remember that circus shot he hit against Texas Tech six years ago to help KU clinch the longest conference title streak in NCAA history? Those are the kinds of plays everyone in Lawrence remembers him by.
Graham has struggled to get on the floor for the struggling Spurs, appearing in 21 contests in the 2023-24 season. He is averaging 4.3 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 rebounds on 33.7% field goal shooting with one game to go. His NBA career has certainly taken a turn after he averaged 18.2 points and 7.5 assists in Charlotte in his second season.
He showed up when it mattered and sent the Nuggets down the standings, which could significantly alter playoff matchups. While the star of the show was rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, Graham proved that he still belongs in the league.