It was the first duel between Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama and it was a real duel as the two Frenchmen spent most of the match defending on each other.
In the end, it was the Wolves who won (117-110) thanks mainly to a completely botched third quarter by the Spurs. After the match, Rudy Gobert (11 points at 5/10 shooting, 10 rebounds) and Victor Wembanyama (29 points at 12/21 shooting, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks) also exchanged their jerseys.
“It was special” explained Wemby about this duel Franco-French. “I know that every night there are one or two guys that will be special to play against. But this is someone who, for years, has been trying to take care of me and teach me things. So it was even more special and challenging. »
Countered three times by Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert said he was impressed by the 1st choice of the last Draft.
“He’s already a problem, but he’s going to be a huge problem very quickly”
“His positioning is well ahead, compared to the classic positioning of a rookie”explains the three-time best defender of the year. “We can see that he is well coached and that he studies the game. He will only improve during the season. He’s already affecting shots, he’s already getting into guys’ heads defensively. It’s going to be a huge problem. It’s already a problem, but it’s going to be a huge problem very quickly. »
Before and after the match, the Wolves pivot said to himself “very happy and proud of his evolution and progress”while Victor Wembanyama notably scored 13 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, to allow San Antonio to offer themselves a high-stakes end to the match, and to scare Anthony Edwards’ troops a little…
“That’s what motivates him. He lives for these moments. He’s a competitor. A winner. With the way he works, his mindset, the way he studies the game… You add that to the unique physical qualities he possesses and I don’t think we’re going to see anything like that for a while.” continues Rudy Gobert.
The latter also notes a real evolution in his young compatriot since the Draft, particularly physically.
“It’s hard to imagine what he will be – and he will be – after a few years of work, as he does. I can’t even imagine how it will evolve.” he concludes.
