On December 19, the disappointment was total when Victor Wembanyama had been forced to remain in civilian clothes for the Spurs' trip to Milwaukee. Three weeks later, this time, it was the right one, and we were therefore entitled to the first duel between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama. We can't talk about master and student, but clearly, the Frenchman looks like Giannis 2.0 when we see him striding up the court or signing a Eurostep with a dribble behind his back before landing a dunk.
“He’s one of the players I’ve studied the most, one of the greatest players in the world, and there was extra motivation” says the Frenchman after Giannis compiled 44 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists in the Bucks' victory. “When he enters the field, he scares the opponents. I'm a competitor, and I want to challenge everyone, and be the bad guy on the field. It was a great duel! »
For Giannis Antetokounmpo, “Wemby” measures 2m25 or 2m28
“Wemby”, although limited by fouls and playing time restrictions, was up to the challenge with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks. We will obviously remember this T-Mac in the first half, this “poster” on Brook Lopez, but also this crazy “money time” where he followed up with a tarpaulin on Damian Lillard and an equalizing 3-pointer in the “trailer”. It all ended with a monstrous scotch on a dunk attempt from Giannis!
“He is unique and has incredible talent. He can score whenever he wants! “, cowardly Antetokounmpo about the young Frenchman. “He is going to become a very good player. He must stay healthy. He plays the right way, he plays to win. I've never seen anything like this. He must be 2m25 or 2m28… He’s not 2m22. He is much taller than 2m22. Anyone who says he's 2m22 is a liar! But you've never seen anything like this. I have never seen that. Maybe you've seen this before, but I don't think so… Its potential is limitless! “.
“Basketball is in good hands!” »
Same enthusiasm for Bobby Portis who, too, got to know the immense arms of the Frenchman.
“I've been playing with Giannis for four years and I've seen him do incredible things. On the other hand, this is the first time I've had the opportunity to see 'Wemby' and he's a great player! It's just different. It is one of a kind. See a kid, 2m25, 2m28, dribble, then make 3-point baskets. Basketball is in good hands! »
For Khris Middleton, this duel between Giannis and “Wemby” is one of a kind.
“It’s something everyone wanted to see,” recalls Khris Middleton. “Especially in a match like this, with a guy who has a lot of potential, a lot of talent and who is playing well at this stage, facing a multiple-time MVP player who, with his physique, his technical qualities and his athletic qualities , is similar in some ways. It was pleasant to watch. I don't think the NBA has ever seen something like this: a face-off between two players over 2m13 who can do a little bit of everything on the court. »
The final word for Adrian Griffin, actor and spectator of this exceptional duel. “It was a fun match to coach and a fun match to watch” concludes the Bucks coach. “Two most unique and talented interiors face to face. I use this term interiors in a broad sense because they are very versatile players. I thought Wemby was great, and I thought Giannis was phenomenal.”
