The more the weeks pass, the clearer the progression in the game of Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. Once again decimated by injuries on Friday evening (Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and Cedi Osman), the team coached by Gregg Popovich managed to return New Orleans to its home court to finally win at the end of the suspense (111- 109). Initially clumsy, the French interior (2.23 m, 20 years old) was decisive in the second half to finish with a new impressive statistical record (17 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 blocks).
7th in the West and on a series of three defeats before the match, the Pelicans absolutely had to win to get back into the race for the top 6, synonymous with direct qualification for the play-offs.
Without Zion Williamson, injured in a finger, interior Jonas Valanciunas took charge offensively in the first half (16 points), insisting in the paint in front of Victor Wembanyama. He was well helped by leader CJ McCollum, very adept at shooting (19 points at 8/12 at the break, 31 in total). Renowned for his defensive qualities, winger Herb Jones (25 years old) took charge of the Frenchman, keeping him away from the basket to limit him to only 2 measly points before the break (2 free throws, 0/6 on the shoot).
Wembanyama sounds revolt
In front by 10 points after returning from the locker room (61-51), New Orleans suddenly saw the Spurs take their aggression up a notch and return to the game. It was “Wemby” who led the charge by quickly scoring 8 points on two winning shots and an alley-oop initiated by Julian Champagnie, before leader Devonte’Graham equalized from distance at the end of the third quarter. time against his former team (86-86).
Helped by a three-point success found (37%), San Antonio pressed at the end of the match thanks to Victor Wembanyama, author of a decisive counter 13 seconds from the buzzer while the Spurs led by one point (107-106 ). The Frenchman then secured the victory thanks to two free throws scored in the last two seconds, bringing the score to 111-106 in favor of the Spurs.
Too late for CJ McCollum, who scored a final winning shot at the buzzer, but could not prevent the final defeat of his team (111-109). “It was a collective effort, each player rose to the occasion. I am very satisfied. We want to finish the season strong,” reacted Victor Wembanyama after the match.
2024-04-06 04:36:36
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