Since the start of the season, the Spurs version Victor Wembanyama have often hit rock bottom, but for Gregg Popovich, they had never been as mediocre as in this first half in Atlanta. Faced with a Trae Young on fire in the first quarter, San Antonio quickly fell behind by 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and even 35 points (69-34)!
As a result, at the start of the second half, Devin Vassell, Tre Jones and Victor Wembanyama were not on the field. A real punishment! “I like being coached… I like being threatened with sending me to the G-League if I don't play the way I should. I like it when there are consequences for my mistakes” reacts Wembanyama, who will score his 26 points in the second half. “All the advice I receive from the staff is very useful in helping me understand the mistakes not to make. I've improved, and I've adapted my game better to the NBA and it shows. »
A “strong and explicit” message
Because the punishment will have the desired effect, and the Frenchman will sign his best second half of the season. In his wake, the Spurs will pick up the score, but they started from too far to win.
“It’s obvious that our holders needed some sort of message, an infusion or something like that” recognizes Popovich, and Wembanyama confirms that the message has gotten through. “It was strong and explicit. He wanted players on the pitch who he could trust 100% and thus show the starters how we should play.”
With its 26 points, including 18 in the last quarter, “Wemby” reacted in the best possible way, and that is what we will have to remember. “The fact that Victor reacted the way he did says a lot about his character,” testifies Tre Jones. Same satisfaction at Coach Pop'. “He is receptive to any type of coaching. He has a very high IQ. He understands the game intuitively. If you explain something to him, he understands it. He is a remarkable young man of 20 years old. »
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