The dunce of the dunces between Washington And San Antonio was particularly anticipated this year. The reason ? The two “Made in France” gems of the season, Bilal Coulibaly And Victor Wembanyamafound themselves for the first time on an NBA floor, after having shared the same locker room for a year in Boulogne-Levallois.
This duel kept its promises and Coulibaly almost contributed to the success of his team, until the awakening of Wembanyama who changed everything in the “money-time” (131-127).
When Bilal runs away
The first period of “Wemby” was quite discreet against a team from Wizards to the threat well diluted in the collective, behind a Marvin Bagley III on the momentum of his first match under his new colors. But, fortunately, the Spurs could count on his lieutenants to carry out the blow. This is how the trio Devin Vassell – Jeremy Sochan – Julian Champagnie did the job in scoring, when Victor Wembanyama only had 6 small points on the clock (72-66).
Then, “Wemby” did much better after returning from the locker room, attacking the third quarter with two alley-oops, a 3-pointer and two free throws to get back on track. Washington went the distance, thanks to its duo Jordan Poole – Kyle Kuzmabut also the passing of Bilal Coulibaly, author of a 3-pointer then a counter on Victor Wembanyma which allowed him to score in transition.
On their momentum, the Wizards struck hard from the start of the fourth quarter, with Bilal Coulibaly still in charge, with a delight of layup on the counterattack and a new 3-pointer. The former Mets 92 guard followed up with a tap and an assist, before seeing Corey Kispert slam a big dunk in transition to conclude a 15-2 (117-106).
The lethal Weapon
While the match seemed about to change, at +12 in favor of the players from the capital, Gregg Popovich had the good idea to restart Victor Wembanyama… and the result was not long in coming! The Spurs' lethal weapon stood out twice near the circle, before scoring 3-pointers to equalize in a snap at 121-all!
“Wemby” then helped Tre Jones to respond to his brother Tyuswith a decisive pass for the layup from his leader, before allowing Jeremy Sochan to find himself wide open at 3-points, just to put San Antonio in front (126-125).
The deterrent force of Victor Wembanyama in the paint ended up completing the job, while the Jones/Sochan duo did not tremble on the line. After a final free throw from Devin Vassell, it was Jeremy Sochan who scored the counter for victory in front of Corey Kispert, to ensure this precious Texan success (131-127).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The two “Frenchies” at their reunion meeting. Victor Wembanyama and Bilal Coulibaly lived up to expectations for their first confrontation in the NBA. Coulibaly undoubtedly delivered his best match of 2024, with 14 points at 6/9 in 23 minutes, being the aggressive player that his teammates expect and almost one of the X factors of the match on the Wizards side, if his friend Wembanyama does not had not changed the situation in the “money-time”. The two players then met in the middle of the floor after the match, to exchange a few words and their jerseys in front of the cameras. France that shines!
– The saving heat of “Wemby”. The number 1 in the 2023 Draft has made wild ends of matches his specialty, as was recently the case against Atlanta. Except that, this time, his slaughter allowed Spurs to reverse the trend. However, it was far from won, at -12 five minutes from the end, but the decisive actions of “Wemby” ultimately changed the outcome of this game. His stats line still has something to impress: 24 points, 8 rebounds, 6 blocks and 4 assists, in just 27 minutes!
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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.
