His body language is unmistakable. He rubs his eyes, frowns slightly as the light seems to dazzle him, and looks towards the ground. Sitting, while the journalists remained standing, Victor Wembanyama admits of himself, during this short press conferencethat it is ” fatigue “.
How could you not be after such a battle against a double MVP of this league? Face Nikola Jokic? “ It's nice. It's very demanding. We must react quickly. There is no margin for error. It was a good fight. We showed a lot of effort on both ends of the pitch. I'm not going to lie, I'm tired. I'm having trouble thinking right now », the Frenchman does not hide.
Nikola Jokic very impressed
The latter may be worn out, but he undoubtedly knows that his prestigious opponent of the evening is just as tired. The Serbian did not fail to compliment the Spurs interior, barely exaggerating the impact he had in defense: “ He made like 600 blocks tonight, but we won. » The best blocker in the league actually stopped at 9 rejected shots, almost triple his average over the season.
A well-filled column to complete a staggering overall line: 23 points, 15 rebounds, 9 blocks, 8 assists. “ It's going to be really, really, really, really, really, really good », can logically support and advance Aaron Gordon, whose physique contributed to hampering the Frenchman, who still suffered in terms of shooting (9/29).
Compensating for clumsiness by getting involved in other sectors, the method is known and worthy of the greats. He who already flirted and openly thought about the quadruple-double earlier in the season is aware of it: this statistical feat “ will happen “. He adds, however, calmly: “ But I have other priorities. »
Spurs making clear progress
Rather than individual flights, the 20-year-old first has in mind seeing his team go in the right direction and end up winning sustainably in this league. The Spurs last night, deprived of a slew of important players (Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson) have certainly taken a step in this direction against one of the best NBA teams who, in a few days, will win their title stake.
It's no coincidence that Gregg Popovich is talking about one of the most competitive matches he's taken part in in years. “ For 48 minutes, in difficult circumstances, these guys played…the effort for 48 minutes was really impressive, the best I've seen all year. And like I said (Since) several years, it sucks to lose, but seeing the progress made this season is really a great satisfaction », appreciates the technician.
Its French nugget has a lot to do with this observation. The coach even thinks that with this match, Victor “ earned a lot of respect tonight because Nikola is the best. Wanting to defend on him and learn, it was a true testament to his desire to be good. Confronting Nikola, like I said, says a lot. He learns minute by minute. »
| Victor Wembanyama | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | SAN | 66 | 29 | 46.8 | 32.3 | 79.9 | 2.3 | 8.2 | 10.5 | 3.6 | 2.2 | 1.3 | 3.6 | 3.4 | 21.2 |
| Total | 66 | 29 | 46.8 | 32.3 | 79.9 | 2.3 | 8.2 | 10.5 | 3.6 | 2.2 | 1.3 | 3.6 | 3.4 | 21.2 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
