A mixture of satisfaction and admiration could be seen in Mitch Johnson's eyes. When Victor Wembanyama took the free throws to seal the Texan victory (121-116), the interim coach of the Spurs stared at his foal for long seconds. Because the rookie of the year 2024 has gone through a myriad of emotions. From fear during a bad fall at the start of the match to the joy of a victory snatched in the last moments. Of this 12th victory in 24 matches, “Wemby” was once again the main architect with a final full-axis winning shot 37 seconds from time. “ I never doubt Victor in those moments: I'm happy that the shot went in.”greets interim coach Mitch Johnson.
With clenched fists, the French interior concluded a stellar performance with a 9th double-double this season (25 points on 9/16 shots including 3/7 3-pointers, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks in 26 minutes), after missing the back-to-back against the Bulls and Kings. To the question “how did you get on tonight” posed at the edge of the pitch by local television, Chris Paul – with the match ball under his arm – responded promptly: “Vic!” “. Before adding: “He made important shots, he grabbed important rebounds: it’s a great team victory”.
Very close to the hold-up
The handful of spectators who left before the end of the Frost Bank Center match were far from imagining such a scenario: still with an eleven-point lead five minutes from time (114-103), the Spurs made one mistake after another, between hasty actions and avoidable losses of bullets. The calm and serenity brought by Stephon Castle (22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists) in the last quarter suddenly gave way to the “demons” of last season. “It’s a victory of character because everything was not simple”breathes Mitch Johnson, in reference to the numerous physical problems that the Spurs experienced in the first half.
Desire, intensity, recovery play and enthusiasm: the Spurs put the accelerator on the accelerator at the end of the first period, under the leadership of the very athletic Charles Bassey (16 points and 12 rebounds) and Jeremy Sochan (7 points and 5 rebounds) , in the role of dynamiter. Deprived of Brandon Ingram, injured in the left ankle against OKC the day before and undoubtedly unavailable for many weeks, the Pelicans tried to play spoilsport. Back-to-back, Trey Murphy III (25 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists) and his gang did not come far from the perfect hold-up…
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The Spurs infirmary is filling up. While Tre Jones, hit in the left shoulder, is still on the sidelines, Zach Collins and Keldon Johnson, hit in the back and calf respectively, did not return to play after their injuries. “I always hate it when we have more than two days off in the season. I think it disrupts the rhythm of the players”breathes Mitch Johnson.
– Chris Paul became the 2nd best passer in NBA history. As a symbol, it was on a winning shot from Victor Wembanyama in the heart of the 2nd quarter that “CP3” surpassed Jason Kidd, the Mavs coach, and his 12,091 assists. “That’s what I really remember from this match”underlines Mitch Johnson, specifying that “having the opportunity to observe it up close is a privilege”. “Surpassing Magic Johnson or even Jason Kidd… It’s one of those records that many thought was unattainable. Chris thoroughly deserves all the praise and attention that comes with this record.”.
– Yves Missi in double-double. The Cameroonian interior, born in Belgium, signed his 6th double-double of the season: he finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds (two records). With, as a bonus, a big dunk on “Wemby”.
From our correspondent in San Antonio (United States).
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
