Wembanyama stands out as Spurs fall to Celtics in 2023 finale

A class away

Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs were no match for the Boston Celtics (101-134) on Sunday, for this last match of 2023. Once again, the Frenchman stood out with a nice stats sheet: 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists in 24 minutes.

The Frenchman, inspired offensively, scored 15 of his team’s first 35 points, with 3 long-range baskets and an alley-oop from behind that brought the Frost Bank Center crowd to its feet.

But the refrain is always the same among Spurs: when Wembanyama is not there the ship rocks. And Boston took the opportunity to lead clearly at the break 53-65. A gap which then increased until the final whistle.

Between poor team performance and personal records, contrasting debuts for Victor Wembanyama in the NBA

The Frenchman thus concludes his incredible 2023 between the Jeep Elite final, draft in first position, Summer League, Britney Spears controversy, and the start of a difficult story with the Spurs in the NBA.

San Antonio finished the year in last place in the Western Conference (5 wins for 27 losses). Boston has the best record in the league this season: 26 wins – 6 losses.

LeBron James immense, but not enough

He doesn’t look 39 years old. LeBron James soared above the game against the New Orleans Pelicans (34 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists). An exceptional individuality who could not face the Louisiana collective (129-109).

Facing the living basketball legend, six players managed to score 10 points or more. A trio was even formed with Zion Williamson (26 points), Brandon Ingram (26 points) and CJ McCollum (22 points). The Californians trembled on long-distance shots (10 out of 32).

With this setback, Los Angeles finds itself with a draw record of 17 wins and 17 losses before attacking the rest of the season in 2024.

The Thunder make the 3-point powder speak

Oklahoma City lived up to its reputation. Third best team in the NBA in terms of 3-point success, the Thunder were once again impressively reliable in this essential exercise in modern basketball.

With 18 successful shots out of 33 attempted, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s teammates (24 points) clearly dominated the Nets (124-108) and consolidated their position as runner-up to Minnesota in the West.

Phoenix to experience

In Arizona the Phoenix trio was lined up to face the pleasant surprise Orlando. The three men, Kevin Durant (31 points), Bradley Beal (25 points) and Devin Booker (21 points) allowed the Suns to win by a short margin (112-107).

Opposite, the young Paolo Banchero (28 points), 21 years old, and Franz Wagner (27 points), 22 years old, still brought something to the opposing team’s experience. Orlando can have confidence in its young guard for 2024.

2024-01-01 07:55:11
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