Why Devin Vassell isn’t satisfied with Spurs NBA Cup win over Nuggets

The San Antonio Spurs moved into the NBA Cup quarterfinals with their 139–136 victory over the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on Friday, though Guard-Forward Devin Vassell made it clear postgame that advancing didn’t complete their mission.

When asked after the game how it feels to reach the quarterfinals, Vassell said:

“It feels great. I can smile now, but job ain’t done.”

"It feels great [advancing in the NBA Cup]. I can smile now, but job ain't done." pic.twitter.com/mBQIWILi73

— Josh Paredes (@Josh810) November 29, 2025

San Antonio was without Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, a situation that had Vassell carrying the offense as he finished with a season-high 35 points on an extremely efficient 12-of-17 shooting night that included a scorching 7-of-9 display from deep. It was his third career game with seven made threes, and he finished a perfect 4-for-4 at the line with zero turnovers. The 25-year-old now averages 15.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 2025. Against Denver, he served as the Spurs closer as San Antonio erased an 18-point third-quarter deficit.

The Spurs defended on their perimeter shooting with Wembanyama unavailable due to a calf issue. Eight different San Antonio players hit at least one three, helping the team reach 17 makes while shooting 40% from beyond the arc and 49% from the field. Their composure at the foul line ultimately determined the game. The Spurs went 30-for-32 (94%) at the stripe, including 12-for-12 in the fourth quarter.

Julian Champagnie put together his finest all-around performance of the season, posting 25 points, 10-for-10 at the free-throw line, and grabbing 10 rebounds, San Antonio’s only double-double of the night. The Spurs’ rally was boosted by his four-point play in the third quarter, while the bench added 42 points, led by Keldon Johnson’s 14.

The Nuggets’ stars performed at a high level, but mistakes ultimately cost them the game. Jamal Murray recorded 37 points on 13-of-20 shooting, surpassing 10,000 career points. Nikola Jokic contributed 21 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds, while Cam Johnson added 28 points with six threes. Denver shot 53% from the field and 41% from three, but their 17 turnovers, which led to 30 San Antonio points, erased their 44-35 rebounding advantage and their earlier 18-point cushion.

The Spurs were down 74–59 at halftime and briefly behind by 18 early in the third, but closed the quarter on a 20-6 rally to make it 104–103 entering the fourth. Vassell’s late threes provided the final separation before San Antonio finished off the game.

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