The NBA Debut of Victor Wembanyama: A Promising Start with Room for Improvement

The player: Victor Wembanyama (slowly) starts his NBA career

The 3 short minutes during which Victor Wembanyama scored 9 points could almost have made us forget everything else. In just a few moments, the No. 1 draft pick provided a reminder of why he’s considered one of the best prospects of all time. He was at the conclusion of an alley-oop before following up with a three-pointer, another dunk with the foul and a quick shot from mid-range. A late burst of heat which allowed the Spurs to come back to level with the Mavericks in money time. Then Luka Doncic (33 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists) returned to action and Dallas took the lead for good (126-119).

This good express passage will not be able to completely erase the feeling of frustration which accompanied the first official outing of the French prodigy in the NBA. Lacking aggressiveness at times, forgotten by his comrades at others, he was especially hampered by mistakes which caused him to spend a majority of the match on the bench. He only played 23 minutes, still finding time to score 15 points on 6 of 9 shots, including 3 of 5 from three-point range.

Sometimes shy, undoubtedly also nervous and physically pushed around by a Grant Williams determined to make his life difficult, Wembanyama made a number of small errors (5 lost balls in addition to certain avoidable mistakes). But it’s all part of the learning process for the 19-year-old. He will have another opportunity to express himself on Saturday evening during a new Texan derby, this time against Houston.

Victor Wembanyama during his first NBA game with the San Antonio Spurs, against the Dallas Mavericks

Credit: Getty Images

The match: Tatum and Porzingis bring down the Knicks

Kristaps Porzingis made his official debut with the Celtics. The former Knicks player was visiting New York and left Madison Square Garden with the victory (108-104) and the feeling of accomplishment. The Latvian pivot scored 30 points (8 of 15 on shots, 5 of 9 on three-pointers). He added 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. Above all, he scored a decisive three-point basket to allow his team to regain the advantage a little over a minute from the final siren (104-101).

A crucial shot originating from a pass from Jayson Tatum, the other man of the match for Boston. The American finished with 34 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals while being very efficient. Carried by the 24 points of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, the Knicks led by 6 points until 3 minutes of the end of the fourth quarter before the Celtics’ five major took over. Julius Randle (5 of 22) and Jalen Brunson (6 of 21) were very clumsy.

Jayson Tatum and his new teammate Porzingis both contributed to the Boston Celtics’ first victory this season against the Knicks.

Credit: Getty Images

The performance: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already sharp

The Thunder corrected the Bulls (104-124) in Chicago and are off to a strong start to a season during which the franchise hopes to return to the play-offs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fifth in MVP voting last year, set the tone by scoring 31 points. He also delivered 10 assists. The Canadian star notably scored 7 of the 12 consecutive points passed by Oklahoma City to widen the gap at the end of the third quarter.

The action of the night: Zion Williamson strings together two superb dunks in quick succession

Zion Williamson marked his return to the competition in the most spectacular way by sticking a dunk on the nose of Jaren Jackson Jr, winner of the best defender trophy last season, before completing a splendid alley-oop on the following possession. The All-Star interior quickly served as a reminder of why it is often considered a highlight machine. But also why his presence makes all the difference for the Pelicans, winners of the Grizzlies (111-104) driven by his 23 points and 7 rebounds.

At state: 52

Like the number of shots attempted (cumulatively) by Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. All for only 16 baskets, 8 each. The two All-Stars absolutely bit the ball and contributed to the Timberwolves’ defeat against the Raptors (94-97).

The French: Killian Hayes holder

Besides Wembanyama, many French people played on the floors across the four corners of the NBA last night. The good surprise came from Killian Hayes, starter with the Pistons in place of Jaden Ivey, the fifth choice in the 2022 draft. The young leader spent 30 minutes on the field, time to compile 10 points, 3 assists, 2 interceptions by being clumsy on shots and especially behind the arc (0 out of 6 three-pointers). Rudy Gobert compiled his usual double-double for the Timberwolves (15 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, 4 blocks).

Frenchman Killian Hayes (Detroit Pistons), during the first match of the 2023-2024 season

Credit: Getty Images

The evening was a little more complicated for the other French nationals. Ousmane Dieng still scored 9 points coming off the bench for the Thunder. His compatriot and teammate Olivier Sarr finished with 4 points and 4 rebounds. Bilal Coulibaly played 23 minutes for his very first in the NBA and he especially stood out in defense by scoring 3 blocks. He scored 3 points in addition to his 4 rebounds and 3 assists. 4 points and 4 assists for Théo Maledon with the Hornets. Like last season, Evan Fournier was once again left on the bench for the entire Knicks game.

All scores

Knicks – Celtics : 104-108
Magic – Rockets : 116-86
Pacers – Wizards : 143-120
Nets – Cavaliers : 113-114
Heat – Pistons : 104-103
Raptors – Timberwolves : 97-94
Bulls – Thunder : 104-124
Grizzlies – Pelicans : 104-111
Hornets – Hawks : 116-110
Clippers – Trail Blazers :
Spurs – Mavericks : 119-126
Jazz – Kings : 114-130

2023-10-26 08:49:18
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