A short week's break, allowed by the final stages of the NBA tournament, and Victor Wembanyama was back last night to challenge Rudy Gobert's Wolves. A very good “Wemby” during the first half before cracking in the final stretch against the NBA leaders.
“Collectively, we started with a very solid defense” appreciated the Spurs pivot. “Obviously I can do better. But there are a lot of positives to take away from this match. That's what we're trying to do: erase what's bad. »
With a new starting five as unusual as it is curious (Osman, Johnson, Vassell, Collins and Wemby), the Spurs held off the Wolves for three quarters, and Gregg Popovich shares Wembanyama's optimism.
“I think they did well,” Popovich believes. “They're the best team in the West and we gave them a hard time. When we shoot 8 of 36 at 3-points, the evening promises to be difficult and everything has to be perfect elsewhere. We have no room for error, and that's what we try. But I found the competitiveness to be excellent.”
An address problem to resolve
Even if the Spurs suffer a 15th defeat in a row, and match the worst start to the season in franchise history, “Wemby” really thinks his team is on the right track. “It’s promising, but our shots have to fall in…” blurted the Frenchman. “We have to do everything in our power to improve. »
This awkwardness on shots is what really sticks in Coach Pop's throat. “We defended very well on guys like Towns and Edwards. They are very difficult players to defend, and I think we did a very good job. That’s what kept us in the game. It’s just that we weren’t clever…”
And Wembanyama was the first, author of 4 out of 13 on shots against the Gobert wall. “Rudy is phenomenal” concludes Anthony Edwards. “If we are here, it’s thanks to him!” I hope he stays healthy and continues to dominate. »
