Nikola Jokic saluted "special player" Victor Wembanyama after the latter's last-gasp steal ensured the San Antonio Spurs held on for victory over the Denver Nuggets.

Wembanyana intercepted Jokic's pass with just four seconds remaining, as the Spurs prevailed narrow 113-110 winners at Ball Arena.

The 20-year-old finished with 35 points and 18 rebounds, and received high praise for his display.

"I think he's better this year than last year, and I think he's going to get even better," said Jokic about Wembanyama.

"I think he's a special player. I think he's one of a kind and is going to be remembered forever."

And Wembanyana was understandably delighted to receive acclaim from someone of Jokic's standing.

"Multiple-time MVP, soon to be MVP again," he said of playing against Jokic, who had 41 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists. "Can't ask for a better way to get better."

Spurs' interim coach Mitch Johnson was pleased with his team's composure, which helped snap the Nuggets' three-game winning streak.

"I thought every time they had us on the ropes, I thought we composed ourselves and fought ourselves back into the game, which was nice to see," he said.

Wembanyama now has three career 35-point, 15-rebound games, which puts him level with NBA great Shaquille O'Neal for the second-most such games in NBA history before a player's 21st birthday.

Jokic, meanwhile, recorded his seventh career game with at least 40 points, 15 rebounds and five assists, putting him level with Joel Embiid for the second-most such games since the NBA merger. Jokic also took 36 shots, the second-most of his career.

"I love him being that aggressive," said Denver coach Michael Malone. "He scored 41 points tonight, had 18 rebounds, nine assists, two steals. And the way they were playing him, one-on-one coverage, and they were down the floor on pick-and-rolls, and he shot the three-ball with confidence.

"He's one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA this year, so I loved how aggressive he was."