« There is no competition at all, if we think about Anthony Edwardsthere is no competition at all at this level, we don’t think about it. These are things that must happen naturally. » Victor Wembanyama prefers to detach himself from the issues related to becoming the new face of the league.
A subject which resurfaced following an exceptional duel between the Wolves star and him, two major figures in the current championship. The two prodigies engaged in a huge battle, especially in the last quarter, ultimately won by the Frenchman, author of 39 points. While his opponent struggled, with a career record at stake (55 points on 19/33 shots including 9/16 from distance).
« I loved it. I loved it. I wish we could just push everyone aside and go one-on-one. Him against me », displays Wolves playerconvinced that he would have won. “ It was nice. Not the nicest, but it was an enjoyable match for sure. And this one is very expensive given the state of the Western Conference at the moment “, retorts “Wemby” speaking of a victory “ nuanced ».
He then recalls that the Wolves presented themselves without Rudy Gobert, and were quickly deprived of Naz Reid. Above all, the Spurs had taken the lead by 25 points at the break, before being joined by the Wolves due to Edwards.
Anthony Edwards leaves him this pressure
The latter caught a little more fire in the fourth quarter, with 26 points, the second best scoring performance in a single quarter for a Wolves player since statistics were recorded action by action (1997-98), according to ESPN. His 55-point evening is also the highest total of points scored this season by a player in a defeat.
The American media further specifies that the two stars combined 94 points, the highest total for two players drafted in first position opposing each other during a match in the modern era of the Draft (1966).
« They have Wemby. He’s supposed to be the face of the league. So, I always have to surpass myself for this match », Comments Anthony Edwards, favorable to the idea of giving him this title, rather than taking it.
« I really appreciate the person, for his honesty. It’s a real strength to have the courage to be honest about topics like this: he doesn’t shy away from questions. It’s an honor, and it’s the best when the best players give their all because it makes me better. It’s a mark of respect and also a way of showing that we are moving forward. Because now our ranking proves that we are a respectable team », the Frenchman begins by answering him.
As for the issue of personality, which is possibly taken into account to be the face of the league, he says: “ The most important thing is to stay yourself because if you want to last in this league, you can’t play a role for 15 or 20 years. At some point, if you think you’re a good person, just be yourself. Sometimes people will be angry with you, sometimes people will like you, as long as you are yourself and happy. We play basketball, we have a great life » he concludes.
