Spurs trust Victor Wembanyama's compass

Victor Wembanyama's sluggish start to the season seems more than ever behind him, with a new performance of choice: a triple-double in the narrow victory against the Kings. From rebounding to distribution, from protecting the circle to shooting outside… The French interior contributed in all sectors of the game, as few players in his position can do. And that’s exactly what San Antonio is encouraging him to pursue.

Against Sacramento, Victor Wembanyama blackened the sheet with 34 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, after having already flirted with ten offerings against the Warriors a big week earlier.

His coach, “interim” Mitch Johnson, saw nothing but good in his star’s performance. But he is delighted to see him able to contribute in so many areas, regardless of certain voices who would like to see him concentrate on the traditional qualities of a “big man”.

Perfectly imperfect

“ I thought he had some really bad stretches in the first three quarters in terms of fundamentals and solid basketball »Analyzed Gregg Popovich's assistant, still on the sidelines. “ And that's a good example of his ability to stay focused in the game. I thought he was great in the fourth quarter. He dominated. When he gets over the fundamentals for him, ball receptions, passing… It’s always impressive. When he does all that, he weighs a lot. »

“ He's going to play his own style of game, and he's going to do it his way, like tonight, where he controls the paint, but he's able to score on offense, distribute, get rebounds, do all these different things. » summarizes Harrison Barnes. “ This may not be exactly the mold that some people would like or expect him to be in. But he will do it his way, and what is most important is that he wants to win. It’s his compass, what motivates him. And that's what makes it special. »

In a very close match, Victor Wembanyama was decisive with 13 points on 4/5 shooting, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks in the fourth quarter. But above all a +/- ratio of +7 in twelve minutes, to finally win by two small points. “ I think we adapted pretty well to their 'scouting report', the triple-double is simply a consequence of good choices » summed up “Wemby”.

Master the fundamentals to develop the arsenal

Good choices yes, but not only that, with also a good dose of talent to send Stephon Castle to the alley-oop on an impeccable pass at the start of the match as well as to return a reverse lay-up from DeMar DeRozan. Or to score five shots from distance, and at a very good percentage (5/9).

Only James Harden and Vince Carter have ever achieved a triple-double in history with at least 30 points, 5 long shots and 3 blocks. according to ESPN. Not exactly the same physical profile as Victor Wembanyama…

“ This is his greatest strength, he can do anything » estimates Mitch Johnson. “ At times, this is what players have to go through or learn. So when you have so many options on the menu, thinking you're going to get the right one every time is difficult. He's a young player learning how to use all the weapons he has. So we have immense hope in him and we support him a lot in his learning. »

As long as “Wemby” does not neglect the fundamentals, so dear to Spurs.

“It is by constantly taking responsibility for the basics that he will succeed in bringing all this out”concludes the technician. “While he's still learning when and where to use all his weapons.” »

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.