It's never easy for a superstar to return to the game while his team is doing well. We are always afraid of breaking the rhythm, and of being the one who prevents the team from running smoothly. This is a bit what we were waiting for last night for the resumption of Victor Wembanyamaabsent from the field since his knee-to-knee collision with Anthony Davis.
Opposite, the Warriors, number 1 in the Western Conference, and it went very well since the Spurs signed a third victory in a row, including two against the leaders of their conference. San Antonio players have never recorded such a series since his arrival a year ago. It is also the first time that they are in the positive with 9 victories for 8 defeats.
A quality 4th quarter
“You know, we celebrate these victories, and we are very happy with each one of them. But at the same time, we should expect to win” reacts the Frenchman. “There’s no game we shouldn’t expect to win. That's why no one is surprised. Everyone is confident. And let's say we're kind of where we want to be, you know, above 50%. And now we have the opportunity to fight for a place in a very strong conference. So we are on the right track. I think we are gaining momentum. »
Against the Warriors, “Wemby” gained momentum, and like his teammates, he saved the best for last.
The visual impression is real, and it is confirmed in the figures: at the end of the 3rd quarter, Victor Wembanyama was at 13 points on 5 out of 12 shooting including 2 out of 7 at 3-points, with four lost balls . In the 4th quarter alone, he will compile 12 points on 4 out of 9 shooting, 5 passes and 2 blocks, without losing a single ball. In this stunning victory, he finished with 25 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks.
Press the switch
“I found my rhythm physically, because I had a little difficulty getting back in terms of physical condition during the first half” explains Victor Wembanyama on this 4th quarter. “But in the second half I felt really good. It's about being there when the team needs it. But don't overdo it. You know, it's a balance. You have to learn it as an NBA player because there are a lot of games, a lot of close games. It’s like a switch, which I try to activate on demand.”
Before the switch was activated, his 3-pointers indeed looked like an “easy” solution, to avoid further exhaustion by going into contact. But in the fourth quarter, the Frenchman was much more determined to hurt his opponents, and his shots were taken with more rhythm.
“Vic's confidence never drops, and it's incredible to see,” confirms Chris Paul. “He is confident. He knows the next shot is going to go in. Vic was huge in his first match back. His defense, his shots. The actions he accomplished this evening are all actions that win. He's an alien, he's so unique. »
As for reducing its volume by far, “Wemby” retorts: “Stop shooting? Never ! »
| Victor Wembanyama | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | SAN | 71 | 30 | 46.5 | 32.5 | 79.6 | 2.3 | 8.4 | 10.6 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 21.4 |
| 2024-25 | SAN | 13 | 32 | 47.2 | 33.9 | 87.2 | 2.3 | 8.2 | 10.5 | 2.8 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 22.7 |
| Total | 84 | 30 | 46.6 | 32.8 | 80.4 | 2.3 | 8.3 | 10.6 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.2 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 21.6 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
