We can’t always walk in super. For Victor Wembanyama, the short trip to Houston, made for once by bus by the Spurs, was a return to ordinary: a slim double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds, 7 blocks but also 6 turnovers) and a defeat at neighboring Texas (114-101). The two previous meetings, he had crossed them by flying over the competition and establishing new records, against Oklahoma City and Indiana, but had also scratched his shoulder, in a clash with the interior of the Pacers Myles Turner.
Uncertain for a long time during the trip to Houston, he successfully tested himself in the warm-up and was able to participate in his 55th game in the NBA. But everything was more difficult, and especially his duel with Turkish international Alperen Sengun, author of a remarkable performance (45 points, his career record, and 16 rebounds).
He returns to the locker room before the others
However, everything started perfectly for Victor Wembanyama: he placed a first counter on Sengun, before slamming a three-pointer after a step-back. Houston then puts the rough Dillon Brooks on his back and Victor Wembanyama will quickly start to suffer. He also returned to the locker room before the others, just before half-time, after a hip impact with Sengun.
His second half gets complicated and he accumulates fouls: already four during the third quarter, which sends him to the bench for a short while to avoid a too early expulsion. Not very successful, the Frenchman also persists in taking shots that are too difficult behind the circle (2/5 yesterday), yet one of the major successes of his month of February.
During the fourth quarter, he seemed out of breath, increased turnovers and could do nothing for his team, which gradually gave up. “It won’t always be perfect,” apologizes his teammate Devin Vassell. Wemby remains a human being. There are matches where his performance won’t be incredible, and that’s okay. We must be able to support it. But I know that in the next match he will be better, so I am very impatient. »
“Away matches require you to be a little tougher mentally, that’s what we lacked tonight,” explains Spurs coach Gregg Popovich very succinctly. Starting Thursday, the Texans are back at it again with a trip to Sacramento.
