Deprived of the field for 12 matches due to a left calf injury, Wembanyama had to settle for substitute status and 20 minutes of play, an act of prudence by his franchise.
“It was incredible. I have seen my teammates become better in the last 12 matches, achieving great things. I just wanted to be part of it, I’m happy that it continues when I come back, to be part of this team which is evolving towards basketball with the purest ethics“, he greeted.
“Wemby“made the most of every second on the floor, upset his opponents a lot – “I was a ball of energy” -, flexed his muscles after an opposing foul, while displaying a spectacular level, with 22 points (9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks) including 15 in the last quarter.
“He did a phenomenal job of having an impact on the match without pushing too hard in scoring, but with aggression, he played without complexes and tirelessly“, greeted his trainer Mitch Johnson.
After a very clumsy first quarter from San Antonio without him (31-20 for OKC, 2 out of 14 from afar for the Spurs), Wembanyama first brought his desire upon his entry, a tap, a defensive rebound, an offensive rebound and an assist in just a few seconds.
“He had a huge influence on the game, on both ends of the court, he protected the rim and then got his rhythm offensively. They also managed to play well without him“, underlined the Thunder coach Mark Daigneault.
