He wanted to eat everything and left nothing for anyone. Facing the player from whom he says he was most inspired, the American star Kevin Durant, Victor Wembanyama produced a giant performance last night: 28 points, 16 rebounds, 5 blocks, 3 assists and constant activity, everywhere and at any time. The Spurs achieved the big blow, by winning in Houston, at a neighbor certainly (111-99), but above all at a candidate for the title.
It is the Spurs who are second in the Western Conference, behind the untouchable Oklahoma City! And they owe it largely to their French leader, whose 28 minutes on the floor were a pure delight. He added to his unique talent a fierce will, a desire to fight on every ball. He often found himself on the ground but always with an angry fist and a black look.
He had obviously decided to strike a big blow, and all his teammates agreed with him. The first four balls of the match, in attack, were given to Wemby, for an unequal result (only one successful basket) but which set the tone of the match: we were only going to see him.
Unbeatable Wembanyama!
His duel with the Turkish Alperen Sengun was extremely physical but beautiful. The two often sought each other out. Just before halftime, the referees penalize once one, once the other, as if even they could not choose a winner. “Soon I’m not going to have any room on my body for scars,” Wembanyama joked after the match.
The Spurs took the advantage during the second half and were not going to let it go. Wembanyama is aided in his endeavor by the impressive Stephon Castle, only second year in the NBA, but incredible defensive activity. When the two rushed on Kevin Durant to prevent him from shooting, in the final minutes, the room understood that the talent and state of mind of San Antonio were going to be unbeatable this time.
The Spurs dominated in aggressiveness: they were better near the circle, where they scored two thirds of their points, and scored 21 points on rapid attack! Without forgetting the contribution of the bench (38 points), which scored twice as much as that of the Rockets. A more aggressive, more complete team and with Wemby: San Antonio was unbeatable.
Worth a look
