We can’t stop him anymore. Victor Wembanyama has decided to return to being the three-point gunner he once was, during his NBA debut. Last night, during a big victory against Utah (123-110), the Frenchman from the San Antonio Spurs shot from afar, without asking any questions. Result ? Two thirds of his points (21 out of 33) were scored behind the circle, an oddity for a boy of his size, but which is no longer surprising.
He once again exceeds the 30-point mark, which is starting to become a habit for him and now establishes him as one of the best players in the NBA on the offensive level, while he had mainly impressed with his defensive deterrence until then. Good news for the Spurs, who were suffering a little at 3 points in recent weeks. Wemby took on the hero’s costume and solved the problem.
A request from the staff? “No, it comes from him,” assures Mitch Johnson, the Spurs coach. We talked to him a little about it at the start of the season. But he has so many tools and weapons! Everyone would like him to use them all the time, every game, but it’s a balance to find and he will continue to seek that balance. It’s a great shooter (Editor’s note: shooter)we are not surprised when he takes 3 points. His choices also depend on the progress of the match and the needs at the time. »
Wemby, author of a new double-double (10 rebounds, 2 blocks, in 26 minutes), did not really force himself against a quickly overwhelmed Utah team, which remained in contact for a moment on the scoreboard but which exploded with each acceleration of the Spurs.
He celebrated his All-Star Game start
At the end of the first quarter, the Frenchman had already scored 11 points, including 9 from distance! The rest was of the same ilk and his success was symbolized by his last three-point success, eight minutes from the end, the ball bouncing three times on the circle, hesitating then finally finishing its course in the net. Among Victor Wembanyama’s teammates, none exceeded the 20-point mark, but Castle and Fox once again stood out for their passing quality (8 each). Utah, the worst defense in the NBA, did not have the weapons to fight.
A little earlier in the day, Wemby had learned that he would start at the next All-Star Game in February in Los Angeles, a first for a Frenchman. “To be a starter in the All-Star Game during your career is a major accomplishment,” said Mitch Johnson. It was years of work and sacrifice, not only on his part but also from his family that got him there. It’s a very special moment. »
Gathered on the floor before the match, his teammates congratulated him and celebrated this moment which will mark his career, while Wemby had learned of his tenure a little earlier, while watching TV in the company of his coach. A new milestone during a season which is starting to look like something successful, after an NBA Cup final. Second in the Western Conference, the Spurs, who reached the 30-win mark last night, can look to the playoffs with confidence.
