Jalen Pickett showcased exceptional skill in his second career start, achieving his first triple-double against the San Antonio Spurs while facing two legendary point guards, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul. With 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, Pickett demonstrated maturity beyond his years, benefiting from Paul's mentorship on pick-and-roll techniques. Coach Michael Malone praised Pickett for his steady playmaking and ability to create opportunities for teammates, likening him stylistically to the seasoned Paul.

Despite largely remaining on the bench during his sophomore year, Pickett's performance against the Spurs signifies his readiness to contribute more, with a remarkable assist-to-turnover ratio nearing 100 assists for the season. This raises questions about his role as Denver seeks reliable bench scoring amid injuries to key players.