Spurs can win even without Victor Wembanyama by 30+ points. The Frenchman did not even exceed the 20 mark last night during the victory against the Utah Jazz (118-111). Not very successful, especially at 3 points (1/4), the Frenchman put himself at the service of his teammates, who had already won without him against Phoenix on Monday. He finished with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 blocks, as well as 4 turnovers.
His highlights can be counted on the fingers of one hand: a dunk that everyone walks away from at the start of the match; two surprise blocks, from behind, on Markkanen then Sexton in the second quarter, where he even followed up with an alley-oop in stride after going up the floor at full speed; or even a counter, without moving, at the very end of the match on Walker Kessler. But a lack of precision in his defensive movements puts him in a delicate position: already 4 fouls in the middle of the third quarter, which forces his coach Gregg Popovich to take him out in order to avoid a premature exclusion.
Meanwhile, his team gets the job done. For once, efficiency is there among the Texans: 50% success at half-time, and even 52% at the end of the match. Same success at 3 points: 16 out of 33 (or 48%). Devin Vassell, with 31 units including some very difficult baskets; Jeremy Sochan for his defensive activity and his relentless aggression (8 rebounds, 5 interceptions); and replacement Malaki Branham (17 points) particularly made the difference.
Following in the footsteps of Shaquille O’Neal in the NBA
“NBA basketball often comes down to efficiency,” says Gregg Popovich. We have to score the baskets and we were efficient, especially in the first half. We also lost a lot of balls (21) but fortunately we got our shots in. » If Victor Wembanyama did not participate greatly in the offensive celebration, even missing several free throws (4/7), his mere presence on the floor, his sense of placement and his understanding of the game make him a major asset for his team. team. He also finished with the best team record in San Antonio (+10, the difference in points with him on the floor).
He also reached another impressive mark: he became the first rookie since Shaquille O’Neal in 1993 to total at least 300 “stocks” (blocks + interceptions) in a single exercise. “Shaq” finished the season at 346 and there are 9 games left at Wemby to do better…
The Spurs, who record their 17th success of the season, will continue with the reception of the impressive New York Knicks (7 victories in the last 8 games), Friday evening in San Antonio.
