Seven blocks and yet Victor Wembanyama's performance went unnoticed. This is because, against the Rockets last night, the Frenchman was dominated by Alperen Sengun, author of the best match of his career.
“Wemby’s” performance against Houston in any case gives him a seventh match in a row with four blocks or more, for an average of 5.6 blocks in nine games since his triple double with 10 blocks in Toronto. A sign of a step forward on that side of the floor, in addition to a more substantial and regular offensive contribution in 2024.
Study more to counter more
“ I believe a lot of it starts with knowing yourself, and that's something I've learned a lot about over the past few months » assured Victor Wembanyama on Sunday after San Antonio's victory over Indiana. “ Then it's about understanding the opponents. What we see on TV does not necessarily reflect the reality on the ground. Now, after playing several matches against almost every team, I am starting to recognize the players' habits. Let's say it requires daily work, there are no shortcuts. I get a lot of advice every day, but I can digest a lot of advice. »
A true game addict, adept at video analysis before meetings, Victor Webmanyama does his homework and quickly learns to believe Gregg Popovich. “ He has learned to use his length more, where he does not need to come into contact with his opposite number. He can use his length and clearly he enjoys being a great blocker. He's gotten better in that area as far as understanding the defensive schemes we want to use and knowing he's the boss in that regard. »
Also recover the counters
Around Victor Wembanyama, all of San Antonio is making better and better use of its first choice in the Draft as a lightning rod near the hoop. “ We do the best we can, and if we ever get passed, we have Victor » laughed Keldon Johnson. Because the Frenchman does not just hinder shots, he offers additional possessions to San Antonio. Victor Wembanyama recovers 61.4% of the shots he blocks according to Basketball Index, five of seven for himself against Houston last night, plus a sixth recovered by one of his teammates. The best percentage in the league!
Enough to put him in the conversation for the title of defender of the year, while the Las Vegas bookmakers already place him in second position, just behind Rudy Gobert ? It must be said that in February, Victor Wembanyama deflected more shots than five entire teams…
“ You have no right to say that because he is young and the team is bad, a player with the 24th defense (22nd, editor's note) in the league can win the title of best defender of the year » However, believes Draymond Green.
Victor Wembanyama had more blocks than 5 teams in February:
Wembanyama 47
Hornets 45
Wizards 43
Clippers 37
Heat 34
Blazers 34— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) March 1, 2024
