Even an XXL performance of Victor Wembanyama (21 points, 20 rebounds, 4 blocks), used as a pivot, was not enough to avoid the Spurs a 16th consecutive defeat against the Bulls (121-112).
A new setback synonymous with a franchise “record” equaled for this Texan team, which nevertheless led by around ten points in this game and which we imagined finally stopping its black streak, before leaving the teammates of DeMar DeRozan (20 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals) and Nikola Vucevic (21 points, 16 rebounds) make the difference in the last five minutes.
TO REMEMBER
– Record precocity for Victor Wembanyama. Author of the first “double double-double” of his career, “Wemby” quite simply became the youngest player in NBA history to compile at least 20 points and 20 rebounds! At 19 years and 338 days, he is doing better than a certain Dwight Howard, aged 19 years and 342 days when he achieved his “20/20” in 2005. Of course, this record will have a bitter taste for the Frenchman, since it was established in a new defeat, but it must not be neglected or trivialized for all that.
– “Record” of defeats for San Antonio. By conceding a 16th consecutive loss, the Spurs equal their longest series in this regard, already achieved last season. Proof that the Texan franchise is going through one of the most delicate periods in its history and, Monday evening at the Rockets (Imperial at home…), Gregg Popovich's men will therefore fight not to enter a little more sadly into the San Antonio Record Book.
– Four in a row for Chicago. Still deprived of Zach LaVine, the Bulls nevertheless signed a fourth victory in a row without their All-Star and if it is, inevitably, their best series of the season. A series which boosts the morale of Billy Donovan's troops, who are getting closer to the Top 10 in the East, and which testifies to the progress of the Illinois collective, which will be tested in the days to come (Milwaukee, Denver, Miami x2 , Philadelphia, LA Lakers). Note, however, the injury exit of Alex Caruso, affected in the ankle.
TOP/FLOP
✅ Nikola Vucevic. If Coby White (24 points, 6 assists) and Patrick Williams (20 points, 6 rebounds) also shone in Texas, it is impossible not to dwell on the performance of the “Vooch”. Because it was largely his monster work under the boards (10 offensive rebounds!) that allowed the Bulls to dominate inside and therefore leave with the victory. Opposed to a lighter Victor Wembanyama, but who obviously did not fail to cause him difficulties on both sides of the field, the Montenegrin was thus able to take advantage of the repositioning of Zach Collins off the bench as best as possible.
⛔️ Devin Vassell & Jeremy Sochan. On the one hand, Vassell finished with 11 points but only 4/15 shooting (including… 1/9 from 3-points). On the other hand, Sochan finished with more turnovers (5) than points or assists (4 each) in 34 minutes of play. Two performances which clearly weighed down the Spurs, while Victor Wembanyama of course but also Keldon Johnson (20 points, 5 assists) and Tre Jones (18 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds) did everything possible to lead San Antonio to victory.
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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.
