“It’s Vic.”
Jeremy Sochan didn't need many words to describe the performance of Victor Wembanyama against the Pacers. Already brilliant against the Thunder, the French Spurs rookie hit hard again against the Pacers with an ultra-complete stats line: 31 points at 11/17 including 3/4 from distance, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 blocks!
“Wemby” displayed everything that makes him so unique, between his counterattacks to sicken opposing attackers, but also his dribbling and his vision of the game, with passes that thrilled the Texan public.
But Gregg Popovich especially highlighted his maturity and calm, the tricolor alien having put the Spurs on his back every time the Pacers became threatening.
A unique calm for a young player
“We all see that he has talent. Whether with a counter, or an important 3-pointer. But the most, not surprising but unique quality that he possesses, at his age, is his calm. Whether the action is good or bad, it remains the same. His teammates understand that he is extremely mature for his age. And he proves it every night. »
For Victor Wembanyama, it's particularly about sending the right message to his teammates.
“Every team needs someone to lean on” he explains. “It could be the coach or the players but, for me, I cannot send a negative image to my teammates. Even when I fail, I don't shake my head. I don't want to send the wrong message to my teammates. I keep that to myself. »
A way to help each other because, as Gregg Popovich recalled, “Even though Victor is special in many ways, he can't do things alone”. And he must therefore rely on the collective.
“I want to be a leader by example, first” concludes the Frenchman. “I believe in these guys as much as they believe in me so it’s a reciprocal relationship. We know what we have, we know where we want to go and we have to trust each other. Whenever I can, I will try to help my teammates. »
