Victor Wembanyama 1, LeBron James 0. On the occasion of their first clash in the league, it was “Wemby” (13 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 interceptions, 2 blocks) who won against the “King” (23 points, 14 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 interceptions), in what above all represents the first victory of the Spurs for a month and a half!
After 18 consecutive defeats, the worst series in its history, San Antonio therefore offers the scalp of Lakers (129-115) at home and this success cannot be contested, as the Texans dominated this game, in the wake of an immense Devin Vassell : 36 points (in 35 minutes), his career best.
Never led in the score of the evening by Los Angeles, the Spurs took full advantage of the absences of Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell and Cam Reddish to put an end to their black streak. Quickly taking a twenty-point lead on the scoreboard, before not letting go of this advantage despite a few (vain) attempts to bring the Californians closer together, overtaken by the Fort Alamo collective.
TO REMEMBER
– The end of the San Antonio series. They had not won since November 2 in Phoenix, but now the Spurs are finally returning to victory, after 18 defeats in a row. Without even needing a huge “Wemby” match like in Arizona, Gregg Popovich's players controlled the debates from start to finish, inflicting a 42-22 in the first quarter and managing their lead without too much to shiver. Skillful in shooting (50%), 3-pointers (43%) and throws (90%), inexpensive (9 lost balls) and altruistic (35 assists), the Texans certainly delivered one of their best collective services of the season.
– The big first between Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James. Postponed due to the absence of the “King” on Wednesday evening, the clash between the two prospects the most anticipated in history took place last night and it turned to the advantage of “Wemby”. Directly opposed on a few occasions, notably when James scored a 3-pointer in front of Wembanyama, the two players were solid in their own way and productive, but they mainly left the spotlight to Devin Vassell in this match (see below). We will be able to see them face each other again in February in Los Angeles.
TOP/FLOP
✅ Devin Vassell. Author of the best match of his career on the evening of the first duel between Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James, the Spurs player had chosen the day well to take out his superhero cape and take in all the light. Very skillful (12/19 shooting, 5/10 3-pointers, 7/7 shooting) and inspired in this part, he punished the Lakers in the first quarter (11 points), to launch San Antonio, then he did it again in the second half (21 points), in order to repel attempts to comeback from Los Angeles. And all this with aggression, relaxation and spontaneity.
⛔️ The Los Angeles defense. Without Anthony Davis, the Lakers had already taken 34 in Houston at the beginning of November and now they are losing to the worst team in the West without their interior star. It must be said that the absence of “AD” leaves a big void in the California racket that, despite their good will, Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt are unable to fill defensively. The Spurs quickly realized this, taking advantage of the spaces – even boulevards – generated by this lack to sign their third best match of the season in terms of scoring.
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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.
