Three days after the first card of his young career in Phoenix (38 points, 10 rebounds), Victor Wembanyama is back in business, in Texas but without Devin Vassell (groin), on the occasion of the reception of Raptors.
A match that the Spurs take it from the right end, in the wake of the inevitable “Wemby” obviously (9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks), dissuasive in defense and sharp in attack against the versatile Canadian defenders. Address and cleanliness with the ball in hand are not really required on either side, but the Texan franchise does the job, relying in particular on great aggression in the racket and on an already lively public to encourage them (26-22).
The lead continues to grow as the minutes pass, as San Antonio recites his scales collectively, between the penetrations of Keldon Johnson or Doug McDermott’s award-winning baskets. In the midst of an offensive rout, Toronto can almost thank his opponents for not taking good care of the ball, as the two teams do not box in the same category. Fortunately OG Anunoby brings a little external success to keep the gap below twenty (54-35).
Halftime is good for the Raptors, more efficient and inspired in attack like Jakob Poeltl or Dennis Schröder. Except that the Spurs do not tremble and maintain their lead, helped by the Malaki Branham connection – Zach Collins this time, or the energy of Tre Jones coming off the bench. Enough to allow Gregg Popovich’s men to keep their good advantage of around fifteen points (86-71).
Despite Keldon Johnson, Toronto’s attempt to get closer finally bears fruit, since Darko Rajakovic’s players slowly, but surely, return to one possession, driven by their skill from afar and Gary Trent Jr. or especially Scottie Barnes. The duel between Johnson and Barnes continues in “money time” and, 38 seconds from the end, the 2021 Rookie of the Year equalizes, before the San Antonio winger responds with a 2/2 on free throws. Moment chosen by OG Anunoby to equalize again, 1 second from the end, after Victor Wembanyama’s poorly secured rebound: “overtime”!
An extension finally mastered by the Raptors, still successful at 3-points and imposing in the paint, in response to the baskets of Victor Wembanyama, who still takes responsibility without hesitation in hot moments. A cruel defeat for the Spurs, in the lead almost the entire match, but which will certainly serve as a lesson to them (123-116).
TO REMEMBER
– A complete match but a frustrating defeat for Victor Wembanyama. Defensively impressive, thanks to its deterrent capacity, “Wemby” especially shone on this side of the floor. He also did not forget to make himself valuable in attack, in particular to launch the Spurs in the first half, even if he faded somewhat after the break. We appreciate, however, his ability to respond when his team needs baskets in key moments, such as in overtime. Even if, at the finish, the Frenchman had to lose despite a lead of up to… 22 points for San Antonio.
TOP/FLOP
✅ Scottie Barnes. Limited to only 3 points at the break, the Rookie of the Year 2021 planted… 27 in the second half, to completely restart the match at a time when the Spurs were in perfect control, with a good ten points lead . Well helped by the percussion of Dennis Schröder and the skill of OG Anunoby, without forgetting the work of Jakob Poeltl under the circle, Barnes (30 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 interceptions and 3 blocks!) confirms his pretty start of the season.
⛔️ Jeremy Sochan. The Pole’s experience in charge remains delicate and we saw him in difficulty again for most of the evening, while we feel these Spurs are clearly more at ease when they are orchestrated by Tre Jones. To see if Gregg Popovich will ultimately decide to modify his starting five to rely on what works best offensively…
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
