Rookie Report: Stats, highlights from James Wiseman’s performance against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets

In his first matchup with Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors rookie James Wiseman notched 18 points in 27 minutes.

While the backcourt battle between the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets could provide fireworks at any moment, there was extra attention in the frontcourt on Thursday night.

During his twelfth appearance in the NBA, Warriors rookie James Wiseman drew one of the toughest matchups for a big man in the association. With the Warriors traveling to Denver, the 2020 No. 2 overall pick squared off with two-time All-Star Nikola Jokic for the first time in his career.

Against the Nuggets, Wiseman recorded his best scoring performance since the second game of the season. The Memphis product recorded 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field with five boards, two assists, two blocks and a steal. 

While Wiseman was one-point off his career-best in scoring, the 19-year-old notched a new career-high in playing time. For the first time in his early rookie campaign, Wiseman was on the floor for 27 minutes.

Wiseman’s highlight of the night came in the third quarter. After receiving a bounce pass from Steph Curry, Wiseman elevated past Denver’s Bol Bol for an emphatic one-handed dunk.

Via @NBA on Twitter:

Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:

Despite Wiseman’s solid performance in Denver, the rookie and the Warriors had no answer for Jokic. The All-Star center added to his league-leading triple-double count with 23 points, 14 boards and 10 assists in Denver’s 114-104 victory.

Via @usatodaynba on Twitter:

After lacing up against Jokic for the first time in his career on Thursday, Wiseman’s matchups in the frontcourt won’t get any easier. When the Warriors travel to Staples Center on Monday for a tilt against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, Wiseman will likely get the opportunity to line up against Anthony Davis and Montrezl Harrell.

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